Geophilus electricus

Geophilus electricus
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Myriapoda
Class: Chilopoda
Order: Geophilomorpha
Family: Geophilidae
Genus: Geophilus
Species:
G. electricus
Binomial name
Geophilus electricus
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms
  • Scolopendra electrica Linnaeus, 1758

Geophilus electricus is a species of soil centipede in the family Geophilidae found across temperate Europe, especially Britain and Ireland. Originally discovered and named Scolopendra electrica in 1758, it was later moved to its own genus, Geophilus. As the first species described in this genus, it is considered by some to be the type species (along with Geophilus carpophagus). It is yellowish-orange in color and can grow up to 45 millimeters, with 55 to 75 leg pairs (more than other similar Geophilus species), a distinct carpophagus fossae on the anterior sternites, and a distinctive arrangement of the coxal pores of the last leg pair. Like many geophilomorphans, G. electricus has been known to glow in the dark, most likely as a defensive maneuver.

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