Lithobius

Taxobox
name = "Lithobius"


image_caption = "Lithobius forficatus"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
subphylum = Myriapoda
classis = Chilopoda
ordo = Lithobiomorpha
familia = Lithobiidae
genus = "Lithobius"
genus_authority = Leach, 1814

"Lithobius" is a large genus of centipedes in the family Lithobiidae, commonly called stone centipedes, common centipedes or brown centipedes.

Anatomy

Most "Lithobius" species are typical representatives of the family Lithobiidae. They are about 2 to 5 cm long and brownish in colour. The adult's body has 15 segments, and accordingly 15 pairs of legs.

The special characteristics include the dispersed openings of coxal glands of the last pair of legs.

ystematics

"Lithobius" is the only genus in the subfamily Lithobiinae. It contains over 300 species and numerous subspecies (the exact number is as yet arguable). The classification of species inside the genus is a matter of discussion too. Some authors divide the genus into subgenera "Eulithobius, Lithobius", "Monotarsobius", "Neolithobius", "Pleurolithobius", "Pseudolithobius", "Sigibius", "Thracolithobius" and "Troglolithobius".

Ecology

Stone centipedes are found under stones or bark, in soil and decaying matter. Some are common in gardens. "Lithobius forficatus" is the most abundant centipede species in Europe.

Like other centipedes, they are more active at night. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates.

The eggs are deposited in soil. The life-span can be over 3 years.

External links

* [http://www.fmnh.helsinki.fi/users/haaramo/metazoa/protostoma/arthropoda/Millipedia/Chilopoda/Lithobius.html List of species]