More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Centipedes and Millipedes of Zihuatanejo
SUBPHYLUM MYRIAPODA
-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
Description
• Scolopendra polymorpha, commonly known as the tiger centipede, is a large, robust centipede in the family Scolopendridae. Its body is typically brown, orange, or reddish, with contrasting dark bands across the segments, although colour patterns vary considerably. It has one pair of legs per body segment and a final pair of elongated, spine-like legs. The first pair of appendages is modified into venomous forcipules, which it uses to capture prey and defend itself.
Range
• Scolopendra polymorpha is present in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico. It occurs widely across the southwestern United States and Mexico, with records extending into parts of Central America. Its distribution includes warm, relatively dry regions as well as areas with seasonal moisture.
Habitat
• This species inhabits a range of environments, including dry scrub, grasslands, rocky areas, woodland, and semi-arid habitats. It shelters beneath rocks, logs, bark, and other debris, emerging mainly at night to hunt. Even in dry regions, it seeks protected microhabitats that retain moisture.
Diet
• Scolopendra polymorpha is a carnivorous predator that feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Larger individuals may capture small vertebrates, such as lizards or other animals of suitable size. It uses its venomous forcipules to immobilize prey before consuming it.