First Time centipede buyer

I am wanting to purchase an 7-8 inch scolopendra alternans from a local pet store for 50$. The only problem is i am worried it may be wild caught and possibly old or sick. Is there anything I can look for to determine if its young or not and signs to look for an unhealthy centipede? Really any help would be nice as I have done as much research as i can find but have no experience. Thanks

At that size I'd say it's an adult.

Sometimes a visually healthy centipede can be carrying internal parasites that wont cause a problem until later on.

Some things that you can spot check for are mites between segments or mycosis (fungal infection) between joints. Centipedes are generally not sluggish so if this specimen is, proceed with caution. Antennae, legs, segments that aren't moving could be a problem as well. I don't have any pictures handy but google "scolopendra mycosis" and "scolopendra mites".

---------- Post added 07-20-2014 at 01:04 AM ----------

Just wanted to add, I've read of cases where a centipede molted out of mycosis and mites can be treatable.