Geophilus flavus

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)

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]

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 and Australia.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 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. 1 2 3 "Tasmanian Multipedes: Geophilomorpha". Polydesmida.info. 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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