Predator and prey - Scorpions vs. centipedes

 

Centipedes are known to catch and eat scorpions, but the role is also reversed sometimes. Both are known to be fierce predators that hunt a diversity of prey types, and it is not surprising that they sometimes hunt each other.

Danniella Sherwood and co-workers have recently published an article documenting 14 new cases of predation of centipedes by scorpions from several regions of the world. Most cases involved species in the family Buthidae, but one case involved the diplocentrid Nebo hierichonticus (Simon, 1872).

Abstract:
Fourteen new cases of centipede predation by scorpions is presented based on four records made by coauthors and ten provided by citizen scientists. Records span from Guinea, Israel, and South Africa to the United States.

Reference:
Sherwood D, Hernández HD, Henrard A, Waysman D. A feast of a thousand legs starts with a single sting: fourteen new cases of predation of centipedes (Myriopoda: Chilopoda) by scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Revista Iberica de Arachnologia. 2025(46):109–13. [Article provided by authors]

Thanks to Dannielle for sending me their article!

Centruroides preying on large centipede in Arizona

Scorpions are omnivore predators catching a wide range of preys, even though preferring soft bodied prey species. Many scorpions are mainly using their claws to control and kill their prey, while others are using the stinger and their venom. Scorpions will catch and eat other scorpions, and will also prey on other venomous animals if they have the chance.

Michael Webber and Matthew Graham recently published an interesting short note in Western North American Naturalist reporting about a Centruroides sculpturatus Ewing, 1928 (Buthidae) preying on the venomous Sonoran Desert Centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) in Arizona (USA).

Abstract:
Arizona bark scorpions (Centruroides sculpturatus Ewing) are commonly found throughout the Sonoran Desert in southwestern North America, and they are well known for being the most venomous scorpion in the United States. Despite their medical significance, C. sculpturatus remains ecologically understudied, and little is known regarding its natural foraging and feeding behaviors. Here, we present the first documented case of C. sculpturatus feeding on the Sonoran Desert centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha Wood) in the wild.

Reference:
Webber MM, Graham MR. An Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) found consuming a venomous prey item nearly twice its length. Western North American Naturalist. 2013 Dec;73(4):530-2. [Subscription required for full text]