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Centipedes and Millipedes of Zihuatanejo

SUBPHYLUM MYRIAPODA

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Myriapods (Subphylum Myriapoda)

-Centipedes (Class Chilopoda)

-Bark Centipedes (Order Scolopendromorpha)

-Scolopendrid Centipedes (Family Scolopendridae)

-Subfamily Scolopendrinae

-Giant Centipedes (Genus Scolopendra)


Scolopendra are active predators, feeding primarily on insects and other invertebrates. The venom is not medically significant for most species; however, bites from several species can cause intense and long-lasting pain and swelling. During the daytime centipedes will spend their time underground or under rocks, bricks, potted plants, etc. concealed from the sun. There is one pair of legs for each segment except for the first and last segments.

Common Desert Centipede

Scolopendra polymorpha

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