Symphyla

Definition

A class of minute, pale, soil-dwelling myriapods commonly called symphylans, garden centipedes, or pseudocentipedes. Superficially resembling true centipedes (Chilopoda), symphylans differ in possessing 12 pairs of legs in adults (versus 15+ in centipedes), lacking venom claws, bearing a pair of spinnerets on the last trunk segment, and having a softer, more flexible exoskeleton. They inhabit moist humus and root zones worldwide, feeding on decaying organic matter, fungi, and fine roots; some species are minor agricultural pests. The class contains approximately 200 described species in two families, Scutigerellidae and Scolopendrellidae. Their phylogenetic position within Myriapoda remains debated, with some analyses placing them as sister to Chilopoda and others to Diplopoda.

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek sym- (together) + phylon (tribe, race), perhaps referring to their aggregated appearance or mixed resemblance to other myriapod groups.

Example

Symphylans such as Scutigerella immaculata (the garden symphylan) can damage seedling roots in vegetable crops, whereas smaller Scolopendrellidae species are primarily fungivores and detritivores in forest soils.

Synonyms

• Symphylans
• garden centipedes
• pseudocentipedes

Related Terms

• Myriapoda
• Chilopoda
• Diplopoda
• Pauropoda
• soil mesofauna
• Detritivore
• Edaphic

Usage Notes

Symphyla is the formal class name; "symphylan" is the vernacular for individual organisms. The common name "garden centipede" is misleading—they are not centipedes and are harmless to humans. Distinguish from true centipedes by leg count, presence of spinnerets, and lack of forcipules (venom claws). In soil ecology, symphylans are often grouped with pauropods and diplurans as "other hexapods" or myriapods in mesofauna surveys, though their minute size requires extraction methods like Tullgren funnels for sampling.