Sexual Dimorphism in Centipedes
After reaching sexual maturity, the differences between male and female centipedes are very subtle in appearance, and only careful repeated observations can make a rough judgment. The head of the female is flat and round like a pancake, while the male's head is slightly raised and elliptical. The female body is larger with a wider trunk section and a thicker abdomen. In contrast, the male has a smaller body, narrower trunk section, and a thinner abdomen. During the breeding season, female centipedes have less activity and appear sluggish, whereas male centipedes are more active and agile. The most direct and accurate method to distinguish the sex of centipedes is by examining the reproductive openings on their ventral side, checking for the presence of reproductive limbs or chitinized penis. Female centipedes do not possess these two organs, while male centipedes have a pair of reproductive limbs or a chitinized penis (except for multi-spined centipedes).
3. Breeding Management of Centipedes
1. Preparations that breeders must make after receiving the centipedes
(1) Multiple breeding tanks must be prepared to allow for graded breeding of the returned centipedes. Since centipedes have a habit of cannibalism, especially when they are severely disturbed, it is advisable to separate them by size.
(2) In the breeding tank, resting beds for centipedes should already be built. The resting bed for breeding centipedes should ideally be made from breeding soil that has been sun-dried and disinfected, with the moisture content already adjusted.
(3) Tiles, sponges, and activity areas placed over the breeding soil should also be disinfected and properly prepared.
(4) Feed for breeding centipedes should also be ready. Some suppliers also raise bait animals such as mealworms, earthworms, maggots, and tadpoles, which can be provided along with the centipedes. The breeder should request a certain amount of bait animals to ensure the seedlings can be fed for some time after being brought back, with some left for future breeding expansion. On the first night the centipedes are brought back, a sponge soaked in 5%-10% glucose water should be placed in the temporary holding container, allowing the centipedes to suckle. The glucose water can also be mixed with a small amount of milk powder or mashed egg yolk to help the centipedes recover their strength.
(5) During the egg-laying season, it is best to prepare a few single-unit birthing chambers in advance. These birthing chambers can be made from cans or other cylindrical objects, with specific construction methods described in later sections. This ensures that the centipedes about to lay eggs can return and lay eggs quietly and safely.
(6) If none of the above preparations can be completed in time, the newly arrived seedlings can be temporarily kept in multiple jars, basins, or other containers. A layer of 5-8 cm thick breeding soil should be placed at the bottom of these containers, with wet sponges added on top.