Scolopendridae

Scolopendrid Centipedes

Genus Guides

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Scolopendridae is a of large in the order Scolopendromorpha. Members are characterized by having 21 pairs of legs in most , with rare exceptions showing 23, 39, or 43 leg pairs. The family includes notable amphibious species and exhibits considerable diversity in , with most species possessing four ocelli per side but some being completely eyeless. Several species show in venom composition.

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scolopendridae: /ˌskɒləˈpɛndrəˌdeɪ/

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

Identification

Most scolopendrids have 21 pairs of legs and four ocelli on each side of the . Exceptions include Scolopendropsis bahiensis (21 or 23 leg pairs) and S. duplicata (39 or 43 leg pairs). Some Cormocephalus are eyeless. The can be distinguished from other scolopendromorph families by these combined traits of leg number and ocular structure.

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Habitat

show varied preferences tied to microhabitat humidity and temperature. Some species (e.g., Scolopendra morsitans, S. polymorpha) are highly adaptable across forest floors, agricultural lands, grasslands, and peridomestic environments. Others (e.g., S. hardwickei, S. subspinipes, S. elloresis, S. jangi) are specifically adapted to cool, moist forest environments. Three Asian species (Scolopendra cataracta, S. paradoxa, S. alcyona) are amphibious.

Distribution

Widespread globally, with documented occurrence in: India (Maharashtra: Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara districts), Australia, China, Oriental region broadly, Colombia, and southwestern North America including New Mexico and Texas.

Behavior

Three Asian (Scolopendra cataracta, S. paradoxa, S. alcyona) have been observed to show amphibious . Two species (Scolopendra hardwickei and Hemiscolopendra marginata) are known to exhibit in venom composition. Most species are .

Human Relevance

Some are encountered in peridomestic environments. Venom composition varies between sexes in some species, though specific medical significance is not detailed in available sources.

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