Scolopendra subspinipes
Scolopendra subspinipes | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Subphylum: | Myriapoda |
Class: | Chilopoda |
Order: | Scolopendromorpha |
Family: | Scolopendridae |
Genus: | Scolopendra |
Species: | S. subspinipes
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Binomial name | |
Scolopendra subspinipes | |
Scolopendra subspinipes range (squares) | |
Synonyms | |
Rhombocephalus smaragdinus |
Scolopendra subspinipes is a species of very large centipede found throughout southeastern Asia. One of the most widespread and common species in the genus Scolopendra, it is also found on virtually all land areas around and within the Indian Ocean, all of tropical and subtropical Asia from Russia to the islands of Malaysia and Indonesia, Australia, South and Central America, the Caribbean islands, and possibly parts of the southern United States, but how much of this range is natural and how much due to human introduction is unclear.[1][2] With a wide geographic range and numerous color variations, the species is known by many common names, including jungle centipede, orange-legged centipede, Hawaiian centipede, and Vietnamese centipede.
It is among the largest centipedes with a maximum length of 20 cm (7.9 in).[3] This centipede is an active, aggressive predator that preys on any animal it can overpower.[4]
Description
The species is normally considered to have a maximum length of 20 cm.[3] However, in 2018 a far larger specimen was recovered in Hawaii by Clayton Cambra, who captured what appeared to be a Scolopendra subspinipes that measured an astonishing 36.6 cm in length.[5]
It has color variations: its body is usually
Diet and behavior
Scolopendra subspinipes is an aggressive and nervous arthropod, ready to strike if interfered with and sensitive to vibrations nearby.
Reproduction
The male produces capsules containing mature sperm cells,
Venom
S. subspinipes venom normally causes extreme pain, among other symptoms. A fatal case was reported in the Philippines in which the centipede bit a 7-year-old girl on her head. She died 29 hours later.[4]
Human uses
S. subspinipes is a popular pet among arthropod hobbyists.[4] The centipede was a traditional food source for Aboriginal Australians.[8]
Subspecies
The number of subspecies of S. subspinipes was historically unclear and varied between authors. Taxonomic characterizations incorporated plastic traits such as color and sulcus structure and the number and position of spines, producing indistinguishable and intergrading subspecies. A 2012 review found that some subspecies were in fact distinct species: S. subspinipes dehaani, S. subspinipes japonica, and S. subspinipes cingulatoides (renamed Scolopendra dawydoffi to avoid confusion with "Scolopendra cingulatoides", a junior synonym of Scolopendra cingulata).[2]
A list of current and former subspecies can be found below.
Former subspecies now considered separate species are denoted with an asterisk (*).
Subspecies now considered synonyms of S. subspinipes are denoted by a double asterisk (**).
- S. s. cingulatoides*
- S. s. dehaani*
- S. s. fulgurans**
- S. s. gastroforeata
- S. s. japonica*
- S. s. mutilans*
- S. s. piceoflava**
- S. s. subspinipes (synonym of S. s. gastroforeata)
- S. s. multidens* (raised to species level by Chao & Chang in 2003)
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S. subspinipes with offspring
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S. mutilans, a former subspecies
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Unidentified Scolopendra sp., possibly S. subspinipes
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S. dehaani, a former subspecies
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S. dehaani
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S. mutilans, a former subspecies
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S. mutilans
See also
- Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra mutilans)
- Japanese giant centipede (Scolopendra japonica)
References
- ^ Department of the Environment and Water Resources.
- ^ a b Kronmüller, Christian (2012). "Review of the subspecies of Scolopendra subspinipes Leach, 1815 with the new description of the South Chinese member of the genus Scolopendra Linnaeus, 1758 named Scolopendra hainanum spec. nov.: (Myriapoda, Chilopoda, Scolopendridae)". Spixiana. 35: 19–27.
- ^ a b c "Vietnamese Centipede". Animal-world.com. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
- ^ a b c d e "Vietnamese Centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes)". Petbugs.com. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
- ^ "A colossal creepy-crawly catch: Man finds 14.5-inch-long centipede". Hawaiitribune-herald.com. 28 January 2018.
- ^ "Centipedes". Angelfire.com.
- ^ PMID 22490529.
- ^ Johnston, T. Harvey (1943). "Aboriginal names and utilization of the fauna in the Eyrean region". Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia. 67 (2): 243–311.