Henia vesuviana
(Newport, 1845)
White-Striped Centipede
Henia vesuviana is a geophilid in the Dignathodontidae, commonly known as the -striped centipede. It is classified as nationally scarce in the United and has been recorded from sites such as Radford Quarry in Plymouth, where it occurs alongside other notable . The has a broad distribution across Europe and North Africa. Its refers to distinctive pale longitudinal stripes running along its body.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Henia vesuviana: /ˈhɛniə ˌvɛsjuːˈviːənə/
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Identification
Distinguished by pale longitudinal stripes along the body, a trait reflected in its . As a geophilid , it has an elongated, multi-segmented body with numerous legs—characteristic of the Geophilomorpha. Further diagnostic features require examination.
Habitat
Recorded from disused quarries undergoing , including calcareous grassland . In the UK, specifically associated with artificial habitats such as former quarries with bare ground transitioning to -rich grassland.
Distribution
Europe; North Africa. Present in France. In the United , recorded from Plymouth area (Devon), specifically Radford Quarry.
Human Relevance
Classified as nationally scarce in the UK. One of the contributing to the value of Radford Quarry, Plymouth, a County Wildlife Site. The presence of this and other notable species at this site contributed to a successful campaign to prevent residential development, with cited as the primary reason for refusal.
Similar Taxa
- Other Henia speciesCongeneric geophilid with similar body plans; require detailed examination to distinguish.
- Other GeophilomorphaMany geophilid share elongated, multi-legged ; identification to level requires knowledge.