Henia vesuviana
(Newport, 1845)
White-Striped Centipede
Henia vesuviana is a geophilid in the Dignathodontidae, commonly known as the white-striped centipede. It is classified as nationally scarce in the United Kingdom 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 order 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 Kingdom, recorded from Plymouth area (Devon), specifically Radford Quarry.
Human Relevance
Classified as nationally scarce in the UK. One of the contributing to the conservation 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 biodiversity 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.