Objective: To research the differences of imported centipedes from different origins in the market by identifying mini-characters of the centipede. Method: The imported centipedes were examined based on the relevant documents and market research. The mini-character identification method for traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) was used to collect the information of 16 batches of the centipede samples by electronic eyepiece. Meanwhile

mini-characters of the imported centipedes were identified by synthetic technique of Photoshop CS6 software. Result: There were different mini-characters in different varieties of imported centipedes

particularly at head and claws

claw spine and tarsal spine. Conclusion: The mini-character identification method has the very good effect in identifying different varieties of imported centipedes.