Scutigeromorpha

house centipedes, long-legged centipedes

Family Guides

1

Scutigeromorpha is an order of commonly known as house centipedes or long-legged centipedes. possess 15 pairs of legs and divided into with crystalline cones. A unique diagnostic feature is the placement of along the midline of the back, distinguishing this order from all other centipedes and placing it in the subclass Notostigmophora. The order includes three (Pselliodidae, Scutigeridae, Scutigerinidae) with 88 across 27 . The Mediterranean species Scutigera coleoptrata has been introduced globally through human activity.

Scutigera coleoptrata by (c) Kyle Elshoff, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kyle Elshoff. Used under a CC-BY license.Scutigera coleoptrata by (c) Kyle Elshoff, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kyle Elshoff. Used under a CC-BY license.Thereuonema tuberculata by (c) geosesarma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by geosesarma. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scutigeromorpha: //skjuːˌtɪdʒəroʊˈmɔːrfə//

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

Identification

Readily distinguished from other orders by long, slender legs and ; antennae terminate in annulated divided into two or three segments. Ultimate legs are much longer than others and resemble antennae. present (absent in Geophilomorpha). arranged dorsally along midline of back (vs. lateral spiracles in all other centipedes). have 15 leg-bearing segments. Body length 2–3.5 cm, some reaching 8 cm. Trunk features eight tergites: one short first tergite followed by seven large tergites with overlapping coverage patterns.

Images

Habitat

occupy open rather than concealed spaces under stones or bark. Related species in the often inhabit caves. The introduced species Scutigera coleoptrata occurs predominantly in and around human habitations. Some species have been documented in forested and lakeside habitats where established outdoors.

Distribution

Native to temperate and tropical regions of every continent except Antarctica. Distribution significantly expanded by anthropogenic introduction of Scutigera coleoptrata throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. Scutigeridae has distribution. Scutigerinidae restricted to South Africa and Madagascar. Pselliodidae found in Neotropics and tropical Africa.

Life Cycle

Hemianamorphic development (add segments during growth rather than hatching with full complement). have 15 leg-bearing segments. Juveniles observed at collection sites alongside adults.

Behavior

Active that lie in wait for prey, then seize it using great speed. Capable of climbing walls and ceilings. Move with extreme rapidity. When threatened, prefer to flee rather than fight.

Human Relevance

The common house centipede Scutigera coleoptrata is frequently encountered in human dwellings where it preys on other . Often perceived as a pest due to startling appearance and rapid movement, but harmless to humans and pets. Some have been introduced to new regions through human activity.

Similar Taxa

  • ScolopendromorphaBoth have and 15 pairs of legs, but Scolopendromorpha have 21 or 23 leg pairs, lateral , and four small ocelli per side rather than true compound eyes.
  • LithobiomorphaBoth have 15 leg pairs and , but Lithobiomorpha have lateral and lack the extremely elongated legs and characteristic of Scutigeromorpha.
  • GeophilomorphaBoth are orders, but Geophilomorpha lack entirely, have many more leg pairs (30–180+), and possess lateral .

Tags

Sources and further reading