Soil Centipedes

Order Geophilomorpha

The Soil Centipedes (Order Geophilomorpha) includes 25 species across 5 families and 14 genera in our directory.

About Soil Centipedes

Geophilomorpha (soil centipedes) includes ~1,300 described species. They have the most leg pairs of any centipede - up to 191 pairs, always an odd number. They are elongated, eyeless burrowers adapted to life in soil.

Economic Impact

Soil centipedes are beneficial soil organisms that prey on insect larvae, earthworms, and other invertebrates. Some species are bioluminescent, producing a greenish glow that may startle predators.

Ecological Role

Geophilomorphs are important predators in deeper soil layers where most other centipedes cannot reach. Their burrowing activity helps aerate soil and create channels for water infiltration.

Families in Geophilomorpha (5)

Species in Geophilomorpha (25)

Boreal Yellow-headed Soil Centipede

Geophilus flavus

Geophilidae

Identification: 49-57 pairs of legs, tarsal claws present, and prosternal chitin lines that run parallel to the lateral margin of the prosternum (visible only under a microscope).

Eastern Saw-toothed Centipede

Arctogeophilus umbraticus

Geophilidae

Identification: Each segment of the forcipules (fangs) has a small tooth, giving the overall appearance of a saw.

Orphnaeus brevilabiatus

Oryidae

Identification: Dark longitudinal stripes, sternal pores in four separate groups on each metasternite

Schendyla nemorensis

Schendylidae

Identification: The terminal legs have an "inflated" appearance and lack tarsal claws. One of the most common geophilomorph centipedes in the northeast, but often overlooked due to its small size. Identification from images often requires a close-up