Eastern Saw-toothed Centipede
Arctogeophilus umbraticus
This record describes Arctogeophilus umbraticus (species). Recorded family: Geophilidae. Recorded order: Geophilomorpha.
Identification and Appearance
Each segment of the forcipules (fangs) has a small tooth, giving the overall appearance of a saw.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Chilopoda
- Order
- Geophilomorpha (Soil Centipedes)
- Family
- Geophilidae
- Genus
- Arctogeophilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Arctogeophilus umbraticus (McNeill 1887)
About Soil Centipedes: the wider group
Order-level background for Geophilomorpha, the group containing Arctogeophilus umbraticus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
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.
Ecological role of the group
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.
Economic and practical significance of the group
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.
Recorded sources for this group: Myriapod research, soil biology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Eastern Saw-toothed Centipede (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joseph DeSisto Alling; Additional contributions by v belov