This Journal article by Kronmuller and Lewis details a primary investigation into the functions of the ultimate (rear) legs
of various species of centipedes from the genus Scolopendra in prey capture, intraspecific recognition, defensive
behaviour and reproduction.[1]
This journal article by Mohamed et al. details a primary investigation into the molecular components of the venom of S.
Morsitans.[2]
This journal article is a detailed examination of the male reproduction system of the male reproductive system of S.
morsitans, providing an in-depth description of the male reproductive organs and microstructures of the centipede. [3]
This journal article by Panha et al. is an extremely detailed taxonomic review of Scolopendrids in Southeast Asia, and
describes a primary investigation which collected live specimens from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Singapore
and Malaysia.[4]
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Subphylum: | Myriapoda |
Class: | Chilopoda |
Order: | Scolopendromorpha |
Family: | Scolopendridae |
Genus: | Scolopendra |
Species: | S. morsitans
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Binomial name | |
Scolopendra morsitans |
Scolopendra morsitans, also known as the Tanzanian blue ringleg or red-headed centipede, is a species of centipede in the family Scolopendridae.[2] They should not be confused with the Chinese red-headed Centipede (Scolopendra subspines) or the Tanzanian Blue Ring Centipede (Ethmostigmus trignopdus trignopodus), both of which have similar sounding common names to Scolopendra morsitans. S. morsitans is the type species for the genus Scolopendra.
Scolopendra morsitans can grow between 10 and 15 cm in length;[3] females are generally larger.[4] Antennae have a minimum of 17 segments,[5][4] but sources differ on maximum length. They have eight eyes in total, four on each side of the head.[4] They feed on other arthropods, such as spiders and small insects,[6] and cockroaches.[7] When in captivity, they may feed on small vertebrates (mice, frogs, etc.)[4]. It is common across Southern Africa, Australia, and has also been found in Southern Asia and the Caribbean. It is considered an invasive species in some locations.[8]
To begin reproduction, the male spins a small web.[9][4] This web-spinning is quite common across all centipedes.[10] The male then deposits a bean-shaped package of sperm on the web, which the female later picks up with her genitals.[11] Their brood chambers are typically found under rocks and stones,[4] and can be up to 10 cm deep.[11] Females can lay up to 86 greenish eggs in such chambers.[4] The female will curl around the eggs until they hatch[11].They take 4 years to mature, and can live a total of 10. This life span is not unusual for a centipede- Scolopendra subspinipes can also live up to ten years.[12]