Lithobius microps
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Myriapoda
- Class: Chilopoda
- Order: Lithobiomorpha
- Family: Lithobiidae
- Genus: Lithobius
- Species: microps
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lithobius microps: //lɪˈθoʊbiəs ˈmaɪkɹɒps//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Lithobius microps, also known as the stone centipede, is a species of centipede in the Lithobiidae family, and previously classified as Sigibius puritanicus. It is one of the most common centipedes in the north-east of the United States and is also found in parts of Europe and Tasmania.
Physical Characteristics
The species is fast-moving and usually quite small, up to about 1" long, possibly to 2" long. It is red or orange in colour. There are small poison claws on the sides of the head.
Identification Tips
The most similar common species is Lamyctes emarginatus, which is the same size and has 25 antennal segments. However, Lamyctes does not have spines on its legs like Lithobius, and has only a single ocellus on each side of the head.
Habitat
Lithobius microps likes to hide in wood, beneath stones and rocks, in soil, and under small buildings. It is commonly found in gardens, dead or rotting wood, and under sheds.
Distribution
Found mainly in the north-east of the United States (New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts), also in England and South Wales, and has been introduced to Tasmania, Australia.
Ecosystem Role
Soil invertebrates.
Health Concerns
They are hard to catch, and rarely bite if handled.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- centipede
- Lithobius microps
- myriapoda
- Holarctic
- soil invertebrates