Lithobiomorpha

Stone Centipedes

Family Guides

Henicopidae
Lithobiidae(stone centipedes)

Lithobiomorpha, commonly known as stone centipedes, are an order of anamorphic characterized by a mature segment count of 15 trunk segments. They lack , possessing instead simple ocelli or no in some subterranean . The order includes two : Henicopidae and Lithobiidae. Members are primarily found in forest litter and soil across temperate regions worldwide, with significant diversity in China and Europe.

Lithobiomorpha by (c) Evrytte Carlson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Evrytte Carlson. Used under a CC-BY license.

Bothropolys xanti by (c) Evrytte Carlson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Evrytte Carlson. Used under a CC-BY license.

Lithobiidae by (c) Matthew Lindsey, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matthew Lindsey. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lithobiomorpha: //ˌlaɪθoʊˌbaɪoʊˈmɔːrfə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from Scutigeromorpha by shorter and legs. Differentiated from other orders by the combination of 15 mature trunk segments, simple ocelli (not ), and paired lateral . Antennal segmentation (15 or 17 segments) serves as a reliable character within the Anopsobiinae . Cave-dwelling may be eyeless, requiring careful examination of other morphological traits.

Images

Appearance

possess 15 trunk segments with a single pair of legs per segment. Each leg-bearing segment has a separate tergite, alternating in length except for paired long tergites on segments 7 and 8. and legs are relatively short compared to Scutigeromorpha. are simple ocelli or groups of ocelli; some cave-dwelling lack eyes entirely. are paired and positioned laterally.

Habitat

Primarily inhabits forest litter and soil. Frequently found under stones and in leaf litter in conifer and larch forests. Some occur in caves, though most cave records represent surface-dwelling species rather than obligate troglobites. Moist microhabitats preferred; recorded from elevations ranging from 950 m to 1400 m in mountainous regions of China.

Distribution

Widespread across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Documented from China (68 , 44 ), Europe including Slovenia (21 species in caves), former USSR territories, Australasia (Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia), South Africa, and southern South America. Records from Kazakhstan, northwestern China (Xinjiang), and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Diet

Predominantly , feeding on insects and other small . Has been observed to feed on leaf litter and associated small animals, indicating broader dietary habits than previously assumed. Some occasionally consume slugs and worms.

Life Cycle

Anamorphic development: juveniles hatch with fewer segments and leg pairs, adding segments and legs through successive until reaching the mature count of 15 trunk segments. Specific details on number, developmental duration, and longevity vary by and remain incompletely documented.

Behavior

that actively hunt in soil and leaf litter. Some secrete sticky fluids to immobilize prey. Fast-moving compared to millipedes. Bite is painful and venomous, comparable in intensity to a sting.

Ecological Role

of insects and other soil ; play an essential role in regulating densities of soil invertebrate . Contribute to nutrient cycling through and, in some , consumption of leaf litter.

Human Relevance

Generally beneficial in gardens and landscapes as of pest insects. Bites can cause pain comparable to stings; handling with bare hands is not recommended. Occasionally enter homes; can be deterred by maintaining bare ground barriers between mulch and foundations and ensuring proper door seals.

Similar Taxa

ScutigeromorphaHouse centipedes and relatives possess and extremely long legs and , contrasting with Lithobiomorpha's simple ocelli and shorter appendages.
Julida (millipedes)Millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment, are generally slower, and are rather than ; Lithobiomorpha have one pair of legs per segment and are active predators.

More Details

Taxonomic Families

The order comprises two : Henicopidae and Lithobiidae. Chinese fauna includes 15 /subgenera, with three genera (Pterygotergum, Hedinobius, and one additional) to China.

Cave Occurrence

In Slovenian caves, 21 lithobiomorph have been recorded, but only three (Lithobius stygius, L. zveri, and Eupolybothrus obrovensis) are considered exclusively subterranean; most records represent surface species.

Research Gaps

The myriapod fauna of China remains poorly known, with stone centipedes receiving particularly limited attention. The role and importance of lithobiomorphs in subterranean remain to be studied.