Lithobius microps
Meinert, 1868
stone centipede
Lithobius microps is a small stone in the Lithobiidae, commonly found in gardens and woodland across parts of North America and Europe. It is one of the most common centipedes in the northeastern United States and among the smallest centipedes in Britain. The has been introduced to Tasmania.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lithobius microps: //lɪˈθoʊbiəs ˈmaɪkɹɒps//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Lithobius by its small size and red-orange coloration. Among the smallest British . The combination of small body size, coloration, and 15 pairs of legs in separates it from larger lithobiid species. Final confirmation requires examination of morphological details such as tergite and sternite characteristics.
Images
Appearance
Small , typically up to 25 mm (1 inch) in body length, with some individuals possibly reaching 50 mm (2 inches). Body is red or orange in color. Possesses small poison claws (forcipules) on the sides of the . As a member of Lithobiomorpha, it has 15 pairs of legs when fully grown and simple rather than .
Habitat
Occurs in moderately moist environments including gardens, leaf litter, dead or rotting wood, beneath stones and rocks, under sheds and small buildings. Found in conifer and deciduous forest . Occasionally enters basements in winter, though this is uncommon. Digs burrows for hibernation.
Distribution
Native to northeastern United States (New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts), England, and South Wales. Introduced to Tasmania, Australia. GBIF records also indicate presence in the Balkan Peninsula, Canada (Newfoundland), Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Ireland.
Seasonality
Active during warmer months. Hibernates in self-dug burrows during cold periods, emerging when temperatures rise. May occasionally be found in basements during winter.
Diet
; preys on small including insects and other arthropods. Uses poison claws to capture and subdue prey.
Life Cycle
Anamorphic development: hatches with fewer than 15 pairs of legs and fewer body segments, adding segments and leg pairs with each until reaching the complement of 15 leg pairs. Adults do not continue molting.
Behavior
Fast-moving and elusive. Hides under stones, wood, and debris. Digs burrows for hibernation. Rarely bites when handled but is difficult to capture.
Ecological Role
of small soil-dwelling ; contributes to regulation of decomposer in leaf litter and soil .
Human Relevance
Generally beneficial in gardens as a of potential pest insects. Occasionally found in basements but rarely considered a significant nuisance. Bite is uncommon and comparable to a sting in intensity.
Similar Taxa
- Other Lithobius speciesLarger body size and different coloration; L. microps is notably smaller than most
- Millipedes (Order Julida)Two pairs of legs per body segment (vs. one pair in ), slower movement, cylindrical body form, herbivorous/detritivorous diet
- Other centipede ordersLithobiomorpha have 15 leg pairs as ; Scolopendromorpha and Geophilomorpha have different leg counts and body forms