Lithobius microps
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Myriapoda
Class: Chilopoda
Order: Lithobiomorpha
Family: Lithobiidae
Genus: Lithobius
Species:
L. microps
Binomial name
Lithobius microps
Meinert, 1868
Synonyms
  • Lithobius duboscqui
  • Sigibius puritanicus

Lithobius microps, also known as the stone centipede, is a species of centipede in the Lithobiidae family.

Description

The species is fast-moving and usually quite small, up to about 1" long, possibly to 2" long. It is red or orange in colour. There are small poison claws on the sides of the head.

Distribution

The species can be found mainly in the north-east of the United States (in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, where it is one of the most common centipedes in the region). It also occurs in England and South Wales where it is considered to be among the smallest of British centipedes.[1] It has been introduced to Australia’s island state of Tasmania.[2]

Behaviour

The centipedes like to hide in wood, beneath stones and rocks, in soil, and under small buildings. They are most common in gardens, in dead or rotting wood, beneath stones and rocks, and under sheds. They may be seen in basements in winter, though this is uncommon. They also dig burrows in which to hibernate, from which they will emerge in warmer weather. They are hard to catch, and rarely bite if handled.

References

  1. ↑ Description and distribution
  2. ↑ "Species Lithobius microps Meinert, 1868". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2010. Retrieved 14 March 2023.


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