Scutigerellidae
Common Name
Pseudocentipedes
Overview
Scutigerellidae is a family of small, soil-dwelling arthropods within the class Symphyla. They are primarily found in moist environments and are known for their segmented bodies and rapid movements.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Myriapoda
- Class: Symphyla
- Order: Scutigerellida
- Family: Scutigerellidae
Key Characteristics
- Size: Typically 2-8 mm in length.
- Body: Segmented with 15–24 body segments.
- Antennae: Long and threadlike.
- Legs: 12 pairs of short, functional legs.
- Color: Usually translucent to white.
- Other Features: Presence of a cerci (tail-like appendages) at the end of the body.
Life Cycle
- Egg: Symphylans lay eggs in soil.
- Nymph: Hatch into nymphs which resemble smaller adults.
- Adult: Mature through successive molts, gradually increasing in size and number of segments.
Behavior and Ecology
- Habitat: Moist soils, leaf litter, decaying wood.
- Diet: Primarily detritivores, consuming decaying organic matter, fungi, and algae.
- Activity: Primarily nocturnal and very secretive.
- Mobility: Capable of rapid movement using their numerous legs.
Notable Species
- Scutigerella immaculata: Commonly known as the garden symphylan, significant as an agricultural pest.
- Hanseniella species: Found in various regions and habitats, often used in ecological studies.
Conservation
No particular conservation status. However, they can be indicators of soil health and biodiversity.
Significance to Humans
- Agriculture: Some species, like Scutigerella immaculata, can damage crops by feeding on roots, thereby affecting agricultural yields.
- Soil Health: Play a role in soil aeration and decomposition processes.
Fun Facts
- Scutigerellidae can regenerate lost legs.
- Their movement is facilitated by a lubrication system that secretes mucus.
- Despite resembling centipedes, they are much smaller and live predominantly underground.
- Scutigerellidae can reproduce both sexually and asexually.
- They have simple eyes that can only detect light and dark, not detailed images.