Common Desert Centipede
Scolopendra polymorpha
This record describes Scolopendra polymorpha (species). Recorded family: Scolopendridae. Recorded order: Scolopendromorpha.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Chilopoda
- Order
- Scolopendromorpha (Bark Centipedes)
- Family
- Scolopendridae
- Genus
- Scolopendra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. half of the US north to SD-se.MT-e.OR ( map ); Mexico
About Bark Centipedes: the wider group
Order-level background for Scolopendromorpha, the group containing Scolopendra polymorpha. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Scolopendromorpha includes ~700 described species of tropical centipedes. The giant Amazonian centipede (Scolopendra gigantea) can reach 30cm (12 inches) and is known to catch and eat bats from cave ceilings.
Ecological role of the group
Centipedes are important nocturnal predators in tropical and temperate forests, feeding on insects, spiders, and even small vertebrates. All centipedes are venomous - they inject venom through modified front legs called forcipules.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Centipede venom is being actively researched for pain-relieving compounds. A peptide from the Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans) has shown effectiveness as a painkiller comparable to morphine in laboratory studies.
Recorded sources for this group: Toxinology research, tropical ecology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Common Desert Centipede (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov