Well this really is a surprise. This 'pede showed virtually no signs of pre-molt, no bloating, no extended headplate and it ate approximately 2 weeks ago. It's anus did appear to be extended somewhat but I thought it was in the very early stages of it's pre-molt cycle. Late last night I noticed that it appeared as if it's colors were muted, but I just thought it was because of poor lighting and my eyes playing tricks on me.
This morning I woke up to a 'pede that had just finished molting.
I'm not sure if it's grown much in length, but it appears to be thicker, especially in the legs.
Could it be that centipedes have two types of molt? One where they grow, characterized by a lengthy pre-molt / bloating etc. And a quicker one for full-grown specimens where they molt primarily for exo-skeletal maintenance? :?
Quick stats:
Species: Scolopendra Alternans
Previous molts: August 4th 2007, July 7th 2008
Latest molt: June 28th, 2009
Pre-molt size = approx. 24cm
Post-molt size = [?]
Pics:
This morning I woke up to a 'pede that had just finished molting.
I'm not sure if it's grown much in length, but it appears to be thicker, especially in the legs.
Could it be that centipedes have two types of molt? One where they grow, characterized by a lengthy pre-molt / bloating etc. And a quicker one for full-grown specimens where they molt primarily for exo-skeletal maintenance? :?
Quick stats:
Species: Scolopendra Alternans
Previous molts: August 4th 2007, July 7th 2008
Latest molt: June 28th, 2009
Pre-molt size = approx. 24cm
Post-molt size = [?]
Pics: