Chilopoda

Centipedes

is a of venomous, predatory comprising the . These elongated metameric animals possess one pair of legs per body , with leg counts ranging from 30 to 354 depending on . Centipedes are distinguished from (class ) by their single pair of legs per segment, flattened body profile, and venomous forcipules derived from modified first leg pairs. The class contains four extant : Scutigeromorpha (house centipedes), Lithobiomorpha (stone centipedes), Geophilomorpha (soil centipedes), and Scolopendromorpha (giant centipedes). All are obligate with predatory lifestyles.

Strigamia branneri by (c) Sawyer Baran, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sawyer Baran. Used under a CC-BY license.

Lithobius forficatus by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chilopoda: //ˌkaɪləˈpoʊdə//

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Identification

are distinguished from () by having one pair of legs per body versus two pairs, and by their flattened rather than cylindrical body profile. The four are distinguished by leg number and structure: Scutigeromorpha (15 leg pairs, , extremely long legs and ); Lithobiomorpha (15 leg pairs, or eyeless); Geophilomorpha (31-181 leg pairs, eyeless, elongate with short legs); Scolopendromorpha (21-23 leg pairs, four per side, large size). The venomous forcipules are unique to among .

Images

Appearance

Elongated, dorsoventrally flattened body with distinct bearing long and a pair of venomous forcipules (modified first pair of legs). Each body bears exactly one pair of legs; total leg number varies from 30 to 354 and is always an odd number. Body coloration ranges from pale - in cave-dwelling to striking aposematic patterns of black, red, and yellow in large scolopendromorphs. Size varies dramatically: Scutigera coleoptrata (house ) measures 25-35 mm, while Scolopendra heros (giant desert centipede) reaches up to 8 inches (200 mm). Scolopendromorpha possess 21 or 23 pairs of legs and typically four small on each side of the head; Geophilomorpha are eyeless; Lithobiomorpha and Scutigeromorpha possess .

Habitat

Occupies diverse terrestrial from surface environments to deep subterranean caves. Scutigeromorpha commonly in human dwellings; Lithobiomorpha found in leaf litter, under stones, and in decaying wood; Geophilomorpha primarily soil-dwelling, with some adapted to deep cave systems (recorded to -1100 m depth); Scolopendromorpha inhabit deserts, grasslands, and forests, often in burrows or under cover objects. Cave-adapted species show troglomorphic traits: elongated and appendages, depigmentation, and loss.

Distribution

distribution across all inhabited continents. to all major landmasses except Antarctica; to remote islands via human commerce. Scutigera coleoptrata (house ) originally Mediterranean but now virtually worldwide in human-associated . Scolopendra heros ranges across southwestern North America from Oklahoma to Arizona and northern Mexico. hadesi occurs in Velebit Mountains, Croatia, at depths to -1100 m. Australobius tracheoperspicuus represents the first cave-dwelling lithobiomorph from southern China (Guizhou Province). Cryptops speleorex to Movile Cave, Romania.

Seasonality

Activity patterns vary by and climate. Surface-dwelling typically , seeking shelter during daylight hours. Desert species such as Scolopendra polymorpha and S. heros active on surface at night, particularly after rains. Seasonal activity influenced by temperature and moisture; in temperate regions, may burrow deeply or enter during cold periods. Cave-dwelling species active year-round due to stable subterranean conditions.

Diet

Obligate . includes , , other , and small vertebrates including mice, lizards, and snakes for large scolopendromorphs. Scutigera coleoptrata preys on household pests including , , and spiders. hadesi is a top in its deep cave . Cryptops speleorex occupies the predator position in the chemosynthetic-based Movile Cave . Prey captured using venomous forcipules that inject paralyzing toxins.

Life Cycle

Anamorphic development: hatchlings emerge with incomplete leg complements and add and legs through successive molts. Scutigeromorpha and Lithobiomorpha achieve 15 leg pairs at maturity; Geophilomorpha add segments throughout life, reaching 31-181 pairs; Scolopendromorpha reach 21 or 23 pairs. with indirect sperm transfer via in most groups; some geophilomorphs exhibit parental care of and young. Lifespan varies: Scutigera coleoptrata may live 3-7 years; large scolopendromorphs potentially longer.

Behavior

employing speed and to subdue . Scutigera coleoptrata exhibits remarkable rapid , capable of climbing walls and ceilings. Scolopendra polymorpha has been observed engaging in , capturing and consuming smaller . Defensive behaviors include rapid escape, burrowing, and venomous biting when handled. Some exhibit aposematic display using bright coloration. Cave-dwelling species show reduced aggression and slower movement compared to surface relatives.

Ecological Role

occupying multiple in terrestrial . Small regulate of soil and litter ; large scolopendromorphs function as mesopredators consuming vertebrates and large . In cave , troglobitic species serve as predators in based on chemosynthetic bacterial production rather than . through and decomposition of remains.

Human Relevance

as agents of household and agricultural pests; Scutigera coleoptrata consumes , , and . Venomous bites from large (particularly Scolopendromorpha) can cause severe pain, swelling, and requiring medical attention; fatalities rare but documented from tropical species. Popular in pet trade, particularly large colorful scolopendromorphs. Research subjects for biochemistry, neurotoxicology, and cave biology.

Similar Taxa

Diplopoda (millipedes)Superficially similar elongated body form, but distinguished by two pairs of legs per body , cylindrical body profile, and herbivorous/detritivorous diet versus single leg pair, flattened body, and diet in .
Symphyla (garden centipedes)Small soil-dwelling with similar preferences, but possess 12 leg pairs and lack venomous forcipules; not true despite .

More Details

Cave Adaptation

Multiple independent origins of troglomorphism documented. hadesi and G. persephone (Velebit Mountains, Croatia) represent the only exclusively cave-dwelling geophilomorphs known. Australobius tracheoperspicuus is the first lithobiomorph documented from subterranean in China. Cryptops speleorex from Movile Cave, Romania, is the largest known inhabitant of this unique chemosynthetic isolated for millions of years.

Venom Composition

are complex cocktails containing , , and small molecules. Scolopendra subspinipes venom contains compounds active against voltage-gated ion channels. Bites typically cause localized pain and inflammation; severe envenomations may involve cardiovascular and neurological .

Taxonomic History

established by Latreille, 1817. Four extant recognized: Scutigeromorpha (1758), Lithobiomorpha (1844), Geophilomorpha (1843), and Scolopendromorpha (1903). Approximately 3,000 described , with many more expected from undescribed cave faunas.