Geophilus vittatus, also known as the diamondback soil centipede,[2] is a species of soil centipede in the familyGeophilidae widespread in North America[3] 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[4] and occasionally near the sea.[5]
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.[6]
Behavior
When threatened, G. vittatus will secrete poisons from its underside.[2] 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.[7]
^Hoffman, Richard L. (1995). The Centipedes (Chilopoda) of Virginia: A First List(PDF) (Number 5 ed.). Martinsville, Virginia: Banisteria - Virginia Museum of Natural History. pp. 4–5. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
