Family CRYPTOPIDAE

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Introduction

The Cryptopidae are generally smaller than other scolopendromorphs, ranging from 15–150 mm, and are uniform shades of yellow, orange or red. These centipedes have large head plates, slim antennae of 17 to 35 segments, and strong flexible bodies. Ocelli are absent (Hoffmann 1982: 683).

Cryptopids (like other scolopendromorphs) are aggressive predators that live in soil, rock crevices, under bark or leaf litter and in caves (Hoffmann 1982: 684). The family, which comprises 150 species in 15 genera, is recorded predominantly from tropical regions, although some species do live in temperate areas (Hoffmann 1982: 684). Only one genus and five described species are known to occur Australia; two other undescribed species have been recorded, one each from NW Western Australia and Tasmania.

General References

Hoffmann, R.L. 1982. Chilopoda. pp. 681-688 in Parker, S. (ed.). Synopsis and Classification of Living Organisms. New York : McGraw-Hill Vol. 2.

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