Diamondback soil centipede explained

Geophilus vittatus, also known as the diamondback soil centipede,^[1] is a species of soil centipede in the family Geophilidae widespread in North America^[2] and named for the dark band of diamond-shaped markings across its back. G. vittatus grows up to 52 millimeters in length, though it averages 25–40, and ranges from brown- to orange-yellow in color, with 49–53 leg pairs in females, 49–51 leg pairs in males, and a lack of consolidated carpophagus structures. It can be found under any debris on the forest floor, but mostly under loose bark^[3] and occasionally near the sea.^[4]

Taxonomy

G. rubens (Say, 1821) synonymy with G. vittatus was proved by Hoffman & Crabill (1953), and was originally very likely based on a specimen of Strigamia bidens.^[5]

Behavior

When threatened, G. vittatus will secrete poisons from its underside.^[1] The secretion is proteinaceous and contains two cyanogenetic compounds, mandelonitrile and benzoyl cyanide, as well as two products derived from these compounds as a result of hydrogen cyanide production (benzaldehyde and benzoic acid). Benzoyl cyanide has not been previously recorded from a natural source.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Species Geophilus vittatus - Diamondback Soil Centipede . BugGuide . 10 November 2021.
2. Web site: Geophilus vittatus (Rafinesque, 1820) . Integrated Taxonomic Information System . 10 November 2021.
3. Crabill . Ralph E. . 1954 . A conspectus of the northeastern North American species of Geophilus (Chilopoda Geophilomorpha Geophilidae) . Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington . 56 . 172–188 . 10 November 2021 . Biodiversity Heritage Library.
4. Barber . A.D . Littoral myriapods: a review . Soil Organisms . 2009 . 81 . 3 . 735–760 . 10 November 2021.
5. Book: Hoffman . Richard L. . The Centipedes (Chilopoda) of Virginia: A First List . 1995 . Banisteria - Virginia Museum of Natural History . Martinsville, Virginia . 4–5 . Number 5 . 10 November 2021.
6. Jones . Tappey H. . Conner . William E. . Meinwald . Jerrold . Eisner . Hans E. . Eisner . Thomas . Benzoyl cyanide and mandelonitrile in the cyanogenetic secretion of a centipede . Journal of Chemical Ecology . 1976 . 2 . 4 . 421–429 . 10.1007/BF00988807 . 20051462 . 10 November 2021.