Geophilid
Guides
Arenophilus
Arenophilus is a genus of soil-dwelling centipedes in the family Geophilidae, order Geophilomorpha. These elongated, multi-legged arthropods inhabit terrestrial environments. The genus was established by Chamberlin in 1912. Members possess the characteristic features of geophilid centipedes, including numerous leg pairs and a fossorial lifestyle adapted to burrowing in soil and leaf litter.
Geophilus
Compost Centipedes
Geophilus is a large genus of soil centipedes in the family Geophilidae, with approximately 140 species. The genus has a Holarctic distribution and exhibits considerable morphological diversity, with body lengths ranging from under 1 cm to over 7 cm and leg pair counts varying from 29 to 89. Several species have adapted to specialized habitats, including deep cave environments. The genus is characterized by distinctive structural features of the head, forcipules, and trunk segments.
Geophilus mordax
pitted soil centipede
Geophilus mordax, commonly called the pitted soil centipede, is a soil-dwelling geophilid centipede native to North America. It is a moderately sized species averaging 25–40 mm in length, with a bright red coloration and 49–57 leg pairs depending on sex. The species is distinguished by the presence of a sacculus or pit on each sternite, a key diagnostic feature that separates it from similar congeners.
Geophilus vittatus
diamondback soil centipede
Geophilus vittatus, commonly known as the diamondback soil centipede, is a widespread soil-dwelling centipede in North America. It is named for the distinctive dark band of diamond-shaped markings across its back. The species reaches up to 52 mm in length and possesses 49–53 leg pairs in females and 49–51 in males. It is one of the most frequently observed soil centipedes in its range, with over 950 documented observations.
Henia vesuviana
White-Striped Centipede
Henia vesuviana is a geophilid centipede in the family Dignathodontidae, commonly known as the white-striped centipede. It is classified as nationally scarce in the United Kingdom and has been recorded from sites such as Radford Quarry in Plymouth, where it occurs alongside other notable invertebrates. The species has a broad distribution across Europe and North Africa. Its common name refers to distinctive pale longitudinal stripes running along its body.