Scolopendromorpha

Tropical Centipedes, Bark Centipedes

Family Guides

Cryptopidae(Bark Centipedes)
Plutoniumidae
Scolopendridae(Scolopendrid Centipedes)
Scolopocryptopidae(Scolopocryptopid Centipedes)

Scolopendromorpha is an order of comprising approximately 700 across five . Members are characterized by having 21 or 23 pairs of legs (fixed number per species, with rare exceptions), epimorphic development where young hatch with a full complement of segments, and typically possess four ocelli on each side of the in family Scolopendridae. This order includes the only known amphibious centipedes—Scolopendra cataracta, S. paradoxa, and S. alcyona. The order exhibits nearly worldwide distribution with greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions.

Scolopendra viridis by (c) Kai Squires, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kai Squires. Used under a CC-BY license.

Cryptopidae by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.

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.

Identification

Distinguished from other orders by fixed leg pair number (21 or 23, not variable within most ) and presence of ocelli in Scolopendridae and Mimopidae. Differs from Scutigeromorpha and Lithobiomorpha (15 leg pairs, ) and Geophilomorpha (variable leg pairs, no ). Within order, distinguished by ocelli presence (Scolopendridae, Mimopidae) versus blindness (Cryptopidae, Scolopocryptopidae, Plutoniumidae), and by leg segment number (23 in Scolopocryptopidae versus 21 in others, except Scolopendropsis).

Images

Appearance

Flattened bodies ranging from 9 mm to 30 cm in length. Most have 21 leg-bearing trunk segments; species in Scolopocryptopidae and some Scolopendridae have 23. gradually attenuated with 14–34 segments (typically 17–21). Colors vary, sometimes vivid. Family Scolopendridae usually with four ocelli per side; Mimopidae with pale ocellus-like area; remaining families blind. Body epimorphic—hatching with full segment complement.

Habitat

Diverse including tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, and arid regions. Some in dry, rocky habitats such as dolomite glades. Includes troglobiont species in cave systems (e.g., Cryptops speleorex in Movile Cave, Romania). Three species amphibious in aquatic environments.

Distribution

Nearly worldwide. Richest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Documented in North America (including Great Plains and southwestern regions), South America, Southeast Asia (Thailand and neighboring countries), Europe, and subterranean cave systems in Romania.

Diet

Venomous . Prey includes insects such as crickets and grasshoppers, large , and small vertebrates including pinky rats. Feeding involves rapid, forceful strikes using poison jaws.

Life Cycle

Epimorphic development— hatch into young with full complement of segments and leg pairs. No post-embryonic segment addition.

Behavior

Rapid, continuous movement; secretive and . When threatened, prefers over confrontation. Capable of dynamic gait with variable-direction locomotory waves in some (observed in Scolopocryptops rubiginosus), controlled by stride rather than frequency. Some species exhibit maternal .

Ecological Role

Apex in some ; Cryptops speleorex occupies top trophic position in Movile Cave . Contributes to control through .

Human Relevance

Bite toxic and extremely painful, capable of causing significant swelling and localized tissue damage. Popular in live displays and captivity despite handling challenges. Occasionally encountered in and around human dwellings in rural areas. Some used in scientific research on locomotion and venom.

Similar Taxa

GeophilomorphaBoth are orders, but Geophilomorpha have variable leg pair numbers (31–354), lack entirely, and are typically smaller with more cylindrical bodies.
ScutigeromorphaBoth are orders with large representatives, but Scutigeromorpha have 15 leg pairs, , extremely long legs, and are the fastest-running centipedes.
LithobiomorphaBoth are orders, but Lithobiomorpha have 15 leg pairs, , and anamorphic development with segment addition after hatching.

Misconceptions

Claims of specimens exceeding documented maximum sizes (13 inches for S. gigantea, approximately 8 inches for S. heros) are unsubstantiated and likely exaggerated. Despite aposematic coloration and venomous bite, these are secretive and avoid confrontation rather than aggressive toward humans.

More Details

Amphibious Species

Three Scolopendra —S. cataracta, S. paradoxa, and S. alcyona—are the only known amphibious , capable of hunting in aquatic environments.

Taxonomic Families

Order comprises five : Cryptopidae, Scolopendridae, Mimopidae, Scolopocryptopidae, and Plutoniumidae. Family-level classification based on presence, leg segment number, and other morphological features.