Geophilus electricus
| Geophilus electricus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Myriapoda |
| Class: | Chilopoda |
| Order: | Geophilomorpha |
| Family: | Geophilidae |
| Genus: | Geophilus |
| Species: | G. electricus
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| Binomial name | |
| Geophilus electricus (Linnaeus, 1758)
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| Synonyms | |
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Geophilus electricus is a species of centipede in the family Geophilidae. As the first species described in the genus Geophilus, it is considered by some to be the type species (along with Geophilus carpophagus).[1] It is found in gardens and churchyards across temperate Europe, especially Britain and Ireland. It is yellowish-orange in color and can grow up to 40 millimeters, with between 65-73 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.[2] Like many geophilomorphans, G. electricus has been known to glow in the dark, most likely as a defensive maneuver.[3][4]
Etymology
The name comes from Latin 'electricus', meaning 'electric', most likely referring to its ability to glow in the dark.
References
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Geophilus electricus (Linné, 1758)". British Myriapod and Isopod Group. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
- ^ Rosenberg, Jörg; Meyer-Rochow, Victor B. (2009). BIOLUMINESCENCE IN FOCUS - a collection of illuminating essays (1st ed.). Research Signpost. pp. 139–146. ISBN 978-81-308-0357-9. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
- ^ Ridley, H.N (1936). "THE LUMINOUS SECRETION OF THE CENTIPEDE GEOPHILUS ELECTRICUS (L.) AS A DEFENCE AGAINST THE ATTACK OF BEETLES, ETC". Proceedings of the Royal Entomological Society of London. 11 (3–5): 48. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3032.1936.tb00861.x. Retrieved 24 October 2021.