Chinese Red Head Centipede (Scolopendra mutilans)Juvenile: 8 10cm Sub adult: 11 13cm Adult: 14 16cm The Chinese red headed centipede, also known as the Chinese red head, (Scolopendra mutilans) is a centipede from East Asia and Australasia. It averages 20 cm (8 inches) in length and lives in damp environments. In ancient Chinese traditions, this centipede is used for its healing properties. It is said that putting a Chinese red head on a rash or other skin disease will speed up the healing process.