Lamyctes caeculus

Lamyctes caeculus can be distinguished from other Henicopidae by the combination of: 15 pairs of legs (characteristic of Lithobiomorpha); ocelli absent or reduced (the specific epithet 'caeculus' refers to this eyeless or nearly eyeless condition); small body size, with adults typically under 20 mm; and 12 antennal articles. The genus Lamyctes is separated from related genera such as Henicops and Rhodobius by details of the forcipular coxosternal tooth plates and tergite sculpture. Final identification requires examination of gonopods in males or other genitalic characters.

Recorded from diverse habitats including coastal areas, disturbed ground, and human settlements. The Lord Howe Island and Galàpagos records indicate colonization of oceanic islands, often associated with anthropogenic habitats. Specific microhabitat preferences are poorly documented but likely include soil, leaf litter, and decaying wood in moist environments.

Argentina; Australia (Lord Howe Islands, New South Wales); Cuba; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Ecuador (Galàpagos Islands). The disjunct distribution pattern suggests a combination of native range (possibly Neotropical or Afrotropical) and widespread human-mediated introduction.

Has been inadvertently transported by human activity to remote oceanic islands including Lord Howe Island and the Galàpagos. No documented economic or medical importance; too small to pose bite risk to humans. Serves as an example of myriapod anthropogenic dispersal.

• Lamyctes emarginatusAnother cosmopolitan Lamyctes species with overlapping distribution; distinguished by details of forcipular structure and tergite margination, requiring microscopic examination.
• Henicops speciesShared family Henicopidae with 15 leg pairs; Henicops generally larger with more developed ocelli and distinct tergite sculpture.

• centipede
• myriapod
• cosmopolitan
• introduced species
• oceanic islands
• eyeless

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match