Scolopendra alternans explained

Scolopendra alternans, commonly known as the Haitian giant centipede,[1] Caribbean giant centipede,[2] and Florida Keys centipede,[3] is a species of large centipede in the subfamily Scolopendrinae.[4] The species was involved in widespread news coverage after an incident in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, in which a specimen of the extremely rare rim rock crown snake (Tantilla oolitica) died of asphyxiation while trying to eat a Scolopendra alternans, which also died.[5] [6] [7]

Appearance

Scolopendra alternans is a large species of centipede, and can grow up to 17–19 cm in length.[8] Their colouration is generally brownish or reddish, but it varies greatly depending on location. Some American forms are yellow to orange in colour. Morphological features also vary depending on location.

Distribution

Scolopendra alternans is found in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Venezuela the Bahamas, Hispaniola, the Antilles, the British Virgin Islands, and Florida.[9] They have also been reported as far north as Georgia.[10]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Dunlap . Sadie . March 26, 2022 . The 10 Biggest Centipedes in the World! .
  2. Web site: Caribbean Giant Centipede (Scolopendra alternans) . 2022-10-03 . iNaturalist . en.
  3. Web site: Florida Keys Centipede names - Encyclopedia of Life . 2022-10-02 . eol.org.
  4. Web site: Gillett-Kaufman . Jennifer . 2014-05-06 . What's the biggest bug in Florida? . 2022-10-03 . UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department . en.
  5. Web site: Virata . John . 2022-09-06 . Rim Rock Crowned Snake Dies Trying To Eat Giant Centipede . 2022-10-03 . Reptiles Magazine . en-US.
  6. Web site: Rare snake enters death match with venomous centipede in Key Largo. They reveal fascinating scientific discoveries. . 2022-10-03 . MSN . en-US.
  7. Web site: History . Florida Museum of Natural . 2022-09-28 . North America's Rarest Snake Found Dead . 2022-10-03 . SciTechDaily . en-us.
  8. Web site: Haiti Giant Centipede - Scolopendra alternans . 2022-10-06 . Exotic Pets UK . en.
  9. Web site: iDigBio Specimen Record Scolopendra alternans leach . 2022-10-03 . iDigBio Specimen Portal . en.
  10. Web site: Scolopendra alternans Leach, 1813 . 2022-10-04 . . en.

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