GOOD GUYS & BAD GUYS
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Giant Centipede / kanapi
Scientific name: Scolopendra subspinipes
Classification: Phylum: Arthropoda. Class: Arachnida. Order: Chelipoda.
Distribution:Midway Atoll, O`ahu, Lana`i, Maui, Kaho`olawe, Big Island,
Sound file: --
This painful pest was introduced to Hawai`i before 1847, possibly even
by Polynesian voyagers since it occurs commonly throughout the Pacific
and tropics. Despite fantaastic tales of its huge size from those who
have killed them in their homes, these creatures rarely get over 6 inches
in length. Their bite is extremely painful and some people and pets require
hospitalization if getting a severe reaction to it.
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|Photo by Gordon Nishida|