Polyphyletic_revision_2014
Guides
Geophilidae
soil centipedes, earth-loving centipedes
Geophilidae is a family of geophilomorph centipedes, commonly known as soil centipedes, with over 650 species in more than 120 genera. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution with species found worldwide. In 2014, phylogenetic analysis revealed the family to be polyphyletic, leading to taxonomic revisions that synonymized several families (Aphilodontidae, Dignathodontidae, Linotaeniidae, Macronicophilidae) under Geophilidae and established the new family Zelanophildae for some transferred genera. Members are characterized by mandibles with a single pectinate lamella, sternal pores with variable arrangements, and usually present coxal organs.