Scolopocryptopidae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scolopocryptopidae: /skoʊloʊpoʊˌkrɪptoʊˌpɪdiː/

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

Images

Scolopocryptops gracilis by Don Loarie. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Wood 1865 Myriapoda of North America 12-13 by Edward J. Nolan, supervised by Horatio C. Wood Jr.. Used under a Public domain license.

Eastern Red Centipede - Scolopocryptops sexspinosus (50055626578) by Christina Butler from Georgia, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

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

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

Scolopocryptops sexspinosus 269773015 by Alex Karasoulos. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Scolopocryptopidae is a family of blind centipedes characterized by a fixed number of 23 leg pairs and distinctive gizzard morphology, existing mainly in the Americas and East Asia.

Physical Characteristics

23 leg pairs; eyeless; forcipular coxosternite without prominent serrate tooth-plates; distinctive gizzard with pineapple-shaped projections that are kinked in the middle.

Identification Tips

Distinguished by the fixed number of leg-bearing segments (23) and the absence of eyes.

Habitat

Primarily found in the Americas and East Asia, with some species recorded in West Africa, New Guinea, and Fiji.

Distribution

Mainly in the Americas and East Asia; recorded in West Africa, New Guinea, and Fiji.

Diet

Primarily carnivorous, preying on small invertebrates.

Ecosystem Role

Predators of small invertebrates, playing a role in controlling pest populations.

Evolution

Monophyletic family with evidence suggesting a single evolutionary transition from 21 to 23 leg pairs and specific morphological adaptations in their gizzard.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Many may believe centipedes in general are dangerous due to their venomous bites, but species in this family are blind and their ecological role is primarily predatory on small invertebrates.