New (and large) amphibious centipede discovered Cheryl Santa Maria Tuesday, April 20th 2021, 2:46 pm - The centipede is large, rare, and may be endangered. Researchers have discovered a new species of tropical centipede genus Scolopendra in parts of Japan and Taiwan, marking the first new centipede identified in the former region in 143 years. Scolopendra is a genus of large tropical centipede, and the newest discovery is about 20 cm long and 2 cm in width, making it the biggest centipede ever found in both areas. Its characteristics are rare, too: the new centipede prefers streamside environments in areas rarely frequented by humans and exhibits amphibious characteristics, joining an exclusive club of amphibious Scolopendrs, of which there are now only three known species.