Cryptopidae

Bark Centipedes

Genus Guides

Cryptops(cave centipedes)

Cryptopidae is a of scolopendromorph characterized by complete absence of (lacking ocelli) and possessing 21 pairs of legs as . The family is dominated by the Cryptops, which comprises over 150 worldwide. Members are commonly known as bark centipedes and occur across diverse geographic regions, with some species showing strong tendencies and human-mediated .

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

Cryptops leucopodus by (c) Mark, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mark. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cryptopidae: /krɪpˈtɒpɪˌdiː/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other scolopendromorph by the complete absence of ocelli (), leaving the capsule with no visible eyespots. possess 21 pairs of legs. These traits separate Cryptopidae from families such as Scolopendridae and Plutoniumidae, which retain ocelli. Theatops and related formerly placed in Cryptopidae are now assigned to Plutoniumidae.

Images

Habitat

Found in soil and subterranean microhabitats; some occur in natural forest soils while others are strongly associated with human-modified environments. Records include hothouses, greenhouses, residential building basements with high humidity, and plant nurseries. The Paracryptops has been repeatedly intercepted in inspections associated with potted plants.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with particular concentration in tropical and temperate regions. Cryptops occur across Europe, Asia, North America, and other continents. Paracryptops is native to southern and southeast Asia and the East Indies, with Western Hemisphere records (Guyana, Dominica, Washington DC) representing suspected human introductions. Cryptops hortensis has expanded eastward into southwestern Siberia and the Cis-Urals region of Russia.

Behavior

activity with secretive lifestyle in dark, humid microhabitats. Some exhibit strong tendencies, readily colonizing human dwellings, basements, and artificial structures. Members of the Paracryptops appear particularly amenable to transport and introduction through human agency, having been intercepted in , discovered under flower pots in plant nurseries, and collected in urban environments.

Human Relevance

Some serve as indicators of human-mediated and biological invasion potential. Cryptops hortensis and related have expanded ranges through association with greenhouses and hothouses. Paracryptops species have been repeatedly introduced to new regions via the horticultural trade, with specimens intercepted during inspections of potted plants.

Similar Taxa

PlutoniumidaeFormerly classified as Plutoniuminae within Cryptopidae; now elevated to rank. Contains Plutonium and Theatops, which retain ocelli unlike Cryptopidae.
ScolopendridaeLarger scolopendromorph that retain ocelli and often possess 21 or 23 leg pairs; distinguished by presence of and generally more robust body form.