Plutoniumidae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Plutoniumidae: //pluːˌtoʊ.niˈʊm.ɪˌdae//

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

Images

Myriapoda of North America 1865 plate I by A.J. Ibbotson, H.C Wood, Jr.. Used under a Public domain license.

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

Wood 1865 Myriapoda of North America 10-11 by Edward J. Nolan, supervised by Horatio C. Wood Jr.. Used under a Public domain 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.

Theatops spinicaudus by iNaturalist user: forfoxsake. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Plutoniumidae is a family of centipedes characterized by their blindness and a unique leg count of 21 pairs. They are part of the Scolopendromorpha order and have a limited distribution with a few species identified in specific regions.

Physical Characteristics

Blind centipedes with 21 pairs of legs.

Identification Tips

Identification can be challenging due to their lack of vision; however, the number of legs and body morphology can be distinctive for the family.

Habitat

Primarily found in moist terrestrial environments such as leaf litter and beneath stones.

Distribution

Present in specific regions with a total of 4 species identified in our area and a total of 6-7 species across 2 genera.

Diet

Carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates such as insects and worms.

Ecosystem Role

Play a role in controlling insect populations and nutrient cycling within their ecosystems.

Similar Taxa

Scolopendromorph centipedes
Other families within Myriapoda

Misconceptions

Often confused with other more commonly known centipedes; may be assumed to have vision due to their predatory nature.