Soil Centipedes
Geophilomorpha
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Myriapoda
- Class: Chilopoda
- Order: Geophilomorpha
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Geophilomorpha: /ˌdʒiːəˌfɪloʊˈmɔːrfə/
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Summary
Geophilomorpha is the largest order of centipedes, known as soil centipedes, encompassing approximately 1,100 described species (with estimates suggesting around 4,000 worldwide). They are characterized by their eyeless, elongated bodies and odd numbers of legs, facilitating burrowing similar to earthworms.
Physical Characteristics
Slender, eyeless centipedes with long and narrow bodies, ranging from yellow to brown in color and from about 1 cm to 22 cm in length. Each centipede has an odd number of leg pairs (ranging from 27 to 191) and 14-segmented antennae. They have spiracles on all leg-bearing segments except the first and the last.
Identification Tips
Look for the characteristic odd number of leg pairs and the long, narrow body without eyes. The antennae are long and segmented.
Habitat
Can penetrate as deep as 70 cm into soil; inhabit various environments from sea level to high elevations, with some species found in littoral zones.
Distribution
Native to all inhabited continents except Antarctica and most Arctic regions; some species have been introduced to oceanic islands.
Diet
Insect larvae and worms.
Life Cycle
Epimorphic development, hatching with a full complement of segments.
Tags
- Geophilomorpha
- soil centipedes
- centipedes
- myriapoda