New Zealand giant centipede Cormocephalus rubriceps

This is a true heavyweight in the centipede world, reaching up to 20 centimeters in length—a giant among its relatives. Found in Australia and New Zealand (North Island only), it was first scientifically described in 1843 by renowned entomologist George Newport. It hunts in damp habitats like rotting logs and caves, using a potent and painful bite to subdue invertebrates and small reptiles. In New Zealand, it falls prey to introduced rats and hedgehogs; populations thrive mainly on offshore islands where invasive predators haven't colonized.