Biology:Scolopocryptops sexspinosus

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Short description: Species of centipede

Scolopocryptops sexspinosus
Eastern Red Centipede - Scolopocryptops sexspinosus (50055626578).jpg
Scolopocryptops sexspinosus, eastern Red centipede, Georgia, United States
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Myriapoda
Class: Chilopoda
Order: Scolopendromorpha
Family: Scolopocryptopidae
Genus: Scolopocryptops
Species:
S. sexspinosus
Binomial name
Scolopocryptops sexspinosus
Say (1821)

Scolopocryptops sexspinosus, the eastern red centipede, is a species of centipede in the family Scolopocryptopidae. It is found in North America.[1][2][3] It is the only Scolopendromorph definitively found in Canada. Canadian specimens appear to be most abundant in British Columbia and Vancouver Island.[4] It is widespread across Eastern North America- from far Southern Canada to Carolina and the Gulf Coast, and prefers hiding under rotting wood or leaf litter (see picture); it is thus difficult to find.[5]

Morphology and Diet

The posterior (left, with ultimate legs), and the fangs (right) of Scolopocryptops sexspinosus

The Eastern Red Centipede has 23 pairs of legs, and is reddish-orange, although south-eastern individuals are browner. This species of centipedes does not have ocelli, and is thus blind.[5][4] Grooves on the dorsal plates are incomplete, according to field work, and the first antenna segment (an antennomere) is less hirsute (hairy) than the second or more distant segments.[4] In Virginia, specimens can attain a length of 6.5 cm. This centipede can deliver a painful bite if handled; they feed on spiders, insects, earthworms, and even smaller centipedes. Adults are active throughout the year.[5] The Eastern Red Centipede is capable of thermoregulating and maintaining performance across a broad range of temperatures.[6]

References

External links

Wikidata ☰ Q6511265 entry