Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

<I>Thereuopoda longicornis</I>, nr Queanbeyan, NSW

Thereuopoda longicornis, nr Queanbeyan, NSW

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Family SCUTIGERIDAE

Introduction

Worldwide the family is divided between two subfamilies: the Scutigerinae which are found in the tropics, and the Scutigerininae, with two genera (Scutigerina Silvestri, 1903 and Madagassophora Verhoeff, 1936), found in Madagascar, Swaziland and South Africa (Hoffmann 1982: 681; Lawrence 1960: 103). The family has a predominantly tropical distribution, although they are also found in subtropical regions (Lewis 1981: 428). Eight genera and 20 species are recorded for Australia.

Scutigera coloeptrata, the house centipede, is widespread in the Northern Hemisphere and is believed to be introduced in Australia. The species is thought to be native to the Mediterranean region. It is commonly found in damp areas around houses, such as cellars and bathrooms (Lewis 1981: 401; Hoffmann 1982: 681).

See introduction to the order for diagnostic features of the Scutigeridae.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
05-Nov-2013 MODIFIED