Geophilus flavus

Geophilus flavus is a species of centipede in the family Geophilidae.[2] The Geophilidae (like other members of Geophilomorpha) are called soil centipedes. It is terrestrial and commonly found at seashore locations.[1]

Geophilus flavus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Subphylum:
Myriapoda
Class:
Chilopoda
Order:
Geophilomorpha
Family:
Geophilidae
Genus:
Geophilus
Species:
G. flavus
Binomial name
Geophilus flavus
(De Geer, 1778)[1]
Synonyms
  • Geophilus longicornis
  • Necrophloeophagus longicornis
  • Scolopendra flava De Geer, 1778 (basionym)

Description

Specimens are yellow in colour, have 49–57 pairs of legs, and may grow up to 45 millimetres (1.8 in) in length.[3][2]

Diet

These centipedes feed on other invertebrates in their environment, including other arthropods and earthworms.

Reproduction

The females lay clutches of 50-60 eggs in soil or rotten wood. They stand guard over the eggs until the offspring is born. The females sometimes lick the eggs to protect them from fungi.[4]

Distribution

This species is found across Europe, and has been introduced into North America, Australia and Thailand .[2]

References
  1. A. D. Barber (2012). Barber AD (ed.). "Geophilus flavus (De Geer, 1778)". World database of littoral Myriapoda. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
  2. "Tasmanian Multipedes: Geophilomorpha". Polydesmida.info. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2012-05-09.
  3. "Macro Photos - Chilopoda (centipedes) - Geophilus flavus". Insectmacros.com. Retrieved 2012-05-09.
  4. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MesozoicLife/conversations/topics/1215


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