Henia
Species Guides
1- Henia vesuviana(White-Striped Centipede)
Henia is a of soil-dwelling in the Dignathodontidae, order Geophilomorpha. Members of this genus are small, pallid-colored geophilomorphs with relatively high leg pair counts. The genus includes found in European terrestrial , with some occurring in urban and suburban environments. At least one species, Henia vesuviana, is considered nationally scarce in the UK.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Henia: /ˈhɛniə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other geophilomorph by combination of small size, pallid coloration, and specific leg pair counts. Henia brevis has 53–57 leg pairs. Dignathodontidae members typically show particular capsule and forcipule structures, though -level identification requires detailed examination. Differs from Geophilidae family members (sometimes historically confused) in family-level characters of the Dignathodontidae.
Images
Appearance
Small with elongated, cylindrical bodies. Coloration is pallid (pale/whitish). Leg pair counts are relatively high for the body size; Henia brevis possesses 53–57 pairs of legs. Body length reaches up to approximately 19 mm.
Habitat
Terrestrial including urban and suburban sites. Found in soil and ground litter. In the UK, occurs in artificial habitats such as disused quarries with to calcareous grassland.
Distribution
Europe including southern Ireland, southern England, and Corsica. UK records include Devon (Plymouth area) and southern England generally.
Ecological Role
Soil-dwelling in ground litter and soil . Contributes to biodiversity in urban and semi-natural .
Human Relevance
Some (e.g., Henia vesuviana) are recognized as nationally scarce and contribute to biodiversity value of protected sites. Presence of Henia vesuviana was cited in conservation efforts for Radford Quarry, Plymouth, a County Wildlife Site. No known negative impacts on humans; not medically significant.
Similar Taxa
- GeophilusGeophilus is another geophilomorph with superficially similar elongated body form and high leg pair counts; distinguished by -level characters (Geophilidae vs. Dignathodontidae) and specific morphological details of the and forcipules.
- StrigamiaStrigamia overlap in and general appearance; distinguished by leg pair counts, coloration patterns, and detailed structural features of the and forcipules.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
placement has been subject to revision. Some sources (e.g., iNaturalist) list Henia under Geophilidae, but authoritative sources (NCBI, Catalogue of Life) place it in Dignathodontidae. The Henia has been treated as a subgenus in some classifications.