Geophilus electricus | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Subphylum: | Myriapoda |
Class: | Chilopoda |
Order: | Geophilomorpha |
Family: | Geophilidae |
Genus: | Geophilus |
Species: | G. electricus
|
Binomial name | |
Geophilus electricus (Linnaeus, 1758)
| |
Synonyms | |
|
Geophilus electricus is a species of soil centipede in the family Geophilidae found across temperate Europe, especially Britain and Ireland.[1] Originally discovered and named Scolopendra electrica in 1758, it was later moved to its own genus, Geophilus.[2] As the first species described in this genus, it is considered by some to be the type species (along with Geophilus carpophagus).[3] It is yellowish-orange in color and can grow up to 45 millimeters, with 55 to 75 leg pairs[4] (more than other similar Geophilus species), a distinct carpophagus fossae on the anterior sternites, and a distinctive arrangement of the coxal pores of the last leg pair.[1] Like many geophilomorphans, G. electricus has been known to glow in the dark, most likely as a defensive maneuver.[5][6]