The type of centipede common around Sai Kung Photo: trivia-about.com
The recent story in local media concerning an AFCD worker fatally bitten by “an insect” on Tai Mo Shan highlights the dangers inherent in living in Hong Kong.
Giant centipedes are distressingly common in Sai Kung and they will come right into your home. These alien-looking creatures are dangerous. Up to eight inches long, they are fast runners and good swimmers with front legs evolved to be able to inject a neurotoxic venom into you. You may find one in your bed.
They are from the family scolopendra, which is ubiquitous in South China. They feed on insects and sometimes larger species such as frogs, birds, snakes and rodents. The centipede will wrap its body around prey holding it fast with its legs then injecting venom. Be careful with small children. A baby died in the Philippines.
On Lamma Island giant centipedes joined a couple in bed twice in a week. The man said it left “a big red swollen patch on my leg weeping with fluid with a wasp-sting like pain lasting 18 hours. I found the horrible creature, wrapped it in a thick shirt and — I have to apologise to my neighbours — was outside . . . a crazy naked man screaming while hitting the creature repeatedly with a sandal.”
“How do they get in? Through drains, air vents, aircons, poorly fitted doors? Help me, anyone . . .ideas please. I DO NOT LIKE CENTIPEDES.”
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