Bark Centipedes

Scolopendromorpha

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Myriapoda
Class: Chilopoda
Order: Scolopendromorpha

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scolopendromorpha: /skɒləˌpɛndroʊˈmɔːrfə/

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

Images

Scolopendromorpha collage 2x2 by Warut Siriwut, Gregory D. Edgecombe, Chirasak Sutcharit, Piyoros Tongkerd, Somsak Panha
Varpu Vahtera ,Gregory D. Edgecombe
Stephen James McWilliam
Christina Butler. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Eastern Bark Centipede (Hemiscolopendra marginata) by schizoform. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Wood 1865 Myriapoda of North America 08-09 by Edward J. Nolan, supervised by Horatio C. Wood Jr.. Used under a Public domain license.

Scolopocryptops sexspinosus - inat 65004327 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Caribbean Giant Centipede imported from iNaturalist photo 47261476 on 23 September 2022 by (c) Paul Prior, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Theatops posticus by Paul Marek. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Scolopendromorpha is an order of centipedes known as tropical or bark centipedes, comprising around 700 species in five families, predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are characterized by their flattened bodies, fixed number of leg pairs, and some species being amphibious.

Physical Characteristics

Centipedes in this order have flattened bodies ranging from 9 mm to 30 cm in length. They possess 21 or 23 trunk segments, with the leg pairs fixed at 21 for most species and 23 for others, except for Scolopendropsis bahiensis (21 or 23 leg pairs) and S. duplicata (39 or 43 leg pairs). Antennae are gradually attenuated with 14 to 34 segments (usually 17 to 21 segments). Colors can vary, including vivid hues.

Identification Tips

Look for flattened bodies and characteristic numbers of trunk segments. Many species in the family Scolopendridae will have four ocelli on each side of the head, and the genus Mimops in Mimopidae may have pale areas that resemble ocelli.

Habitat

Scolopendromorpha species inhabit warm and tropical regions worldwide, with a particular richness in species diversity in tropical and subtropical areas.

Distribution

Species are distributed nearly worldwide, with the most diversity located in warmer regions. In North America, 27 species (including 6 introduced species) are present, most of which are in the southern states, with only two species reaching Canada.

Diet

They are carnivorous, preying on insects and other small arthropods.

Life Cycle

The centipedes are epimorphic and hatch with a full complement of segments.

Reproduction

Specific reproductive behaviors are not detailed in the provided text.

Predators

Specific predators of Scolopendromorpha are not mentioned in the provided text.

Ecosystem Role

They play a role in controlling insect populations as predators.

Health Concerns

Bites can cause intense pain, swelling, numbness, and necrosis, requiring medical assistance, though no confirmed human fatalities have occurred from bites.

Misconceptions

Many people perceive centipedes as highly dangerous, but there are no confirmed human fatalities from centipede bites.