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A new troglobitic Cryptops species is described in Lage Branca Cave, Upper Ribeira karst, São Paulo state, Brazil. Cryptops (Trigonocryptops) didisp. n. is closely related to Cryptops (T.) iporangensis Ázara and Ferreira, 2013 and Cryptops (T.) iheringi Brölemann, 1902. However, it differs from them in several aspects, including the number of saw teeth on the tibia and tarsus 1 of the ultimate legs, the sutures on the first antennal article, the sutures on the first trunk tergite, and the presence of trigonal sutures on the anterior sternites. Cryptops (Trigonocryptops) didisp. n. is the second troglobitic species of Cryptops found in the caves of the Upper Ribeira karst area. This discovery enhances the diversity of troglobites in one of the richest cave systems in South America, the Areias Cave System. It also underscores the importance of ongoing faunistic inventories in one of the most extensively sampled areas for subterranean fauna in Brazil. We also transferred Cryptops (T.) iporangensis to the subgenus Cryptops Leach, 1814. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regenerating legs is advantageous for arthropods as their appendages exhibit crucial functional specializations. Many arthropods possess a 'preferred breakage point', where the appendage is most likely to break and where regeneration likely to occur, however, different taxa exhibit different levels of regenerative potential. Centipede appendage regeneration is categorized as 'progressive' or 'explosive'. In the later, the appendage is fully regenerated after one molt. This term was used for house centipedes that frequently lose their long legs. We chose Scutigera coleoptrata as a model to comprehensively investigate the process of leg appendotomy and regeneration as well as compare it with leg development in anamorphic instars. Results: The trochanter exhibits a preferred breakage point. Internally, it houses a three-layered diaphragm that effectively seals the lumen. In case of leg loss, the wound is quickly sealed. The epidermis detaches from the cuticle and muscles of the coxa get compacted, giving sufficient space for the regenerating leg. A blastema forms and the leg then grows in a coiled manner. The regenerating leg is innervated and syncytial muscles form. If the leg is lost in an early intermolt phase, progression of regeneration is slower than when a specimen is closer to the next molt. Instars of house centipedes can simultaneously develop and regenerate legs. The legs develop laterally on the posterior segments under the cuticle. As opposed to regeneration, the progression of leg development always follows the same temporal pattern throughout the entire intermolt phase. Conclusion: Several factors are of major significance in house centipede leg regeneration. First, the ease with which they lose legs: the diaphragm represents an efficient tool for appendotomy. Moreover, the functional extension of the coxa provides space for a leg to be regenerated in. Lastly, the genetic predisposition allows them to regenerate legs within one molting cycle. This "package" is unique among land arthropods, and to this degree rare in marine taxa. Furthermore, observing leg regeneration and anamorphic leg development in parallel suggest that regeneration is most likely an epiphenomenon of development, and the differences are a requirement for the novel context in which re-development occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Dicellophilus Cook, 1896, is a peculiar genus from the point of view of distribution. Dicellophilus is distributed in three limited areas that are well separated from one another: central Europe (D. carniolensis), Honshu (D. pulcher), and the southwestern part of the USA (D. anomalus and D. limatus). In the present study, in a field survey conducted throughout Japan, specimens belonging to the genus Dicellophilus were collected from Tohoku to the Kansai region, Honshu. Morphological analysis, molecular phylogenetic analysis, and genetic distance among Dicellophilus in Japan and D. carniolensis revealed that specimens from Sendai-shi, Miyagi Pref., could be assigned to an undescribed species. This previously unrecognized species is herein described as D. praetermissus sp. nov. The new species can be distinguished from D. carniolensis and D. limatus by the number of pairs of legs (43 pairs in D. carniolensis and 45 in D. limatus, but 41 in D. praetermissus sp. nov.), from D. anomalus by the lack of a pair of setae on the posteromedian part of the clypeus and variable crenulation on the internal margin of the forcipular tarsungulum, and from D. pulcher based on the following combination of characteristics: both ends of the transverse suture not evidently convex forward; long rather than wide trochanteroprefemur; wide rather than long metasternite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predators with diverse diets can use generalized feeding behavior to consume different prey types or can alter behavior based upon the functional demands of each prey type. Prey choice and feeding behavior are especially important for limbless, gape‐limited predators, such as snakes, because the head must capture, subdue, and ingest prey. Although previous studies have described how snakes feed on dangerous prey, these studies have not compared how behaviors might vary with different prey types. We analyzed the feeding behavior of ground snakes (Sonora episcopa) that were fed scorpions, spiders, and centipedes. Ground snakes successfully consumed each prey type using different behaviors for each prey. To capture prey, snakes used the unusual behavior of pinning prey with the ventral surface of the head with a closed mouth strike before biting. Snakes grasped and envenomated scorpions in all trials, and this behavior lasted significantly longer for scorpions than for spiders. During envenomation, snakes used their body to pin the telson of the scorpion to reduce the likelihood of being stung. Rather than using body restraint to subdue spiders, the snakes often dragged spiders across the substrate with the mandible. Scorpions repeatedly pinched and stung snakes during feeding and snakes used body restraint to subdue this prey significantly more often than spiders. Our study revealed that ground snakes alter feeding behavior based upon prey defenses and use novel prey capture and handling behaviors to subdue prey, suggesting there is yet unappreciated diversity of feeding behavior in snakes allowing them to exploit dangerous arthropod prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field surveys on large centipedes of Nui Chua National Park, south-central part of Vietnam, were conducted in September 2023 and February 2024. As a result, a total of 12 species/subspecies belonging to five genera and two families of the order Scolopendromorpha were recorded. Of two families, Scolopendridae has nine species in four genera, while Cryptopidae has only two species in one genus. In addition, the distribution pattern of the large centipedes is discussed based on the season (rainy versus dry), altitudes, and different habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Location Taxa Methods Results Main Conclusions Scutigeromorpha is a globally distributed, ancient group of centipedes with at least 400 million years of evolutionary history. We assess the biogeographic history of the order, with a particular focus on the Peninsular Indian Plate (PIP), a Gondwanan fragment. We hypothesize that continental vicariance explains the disjunct distribution of extant scutigeromorphs, that PIP scutigeromorphs are of ancient Gondwanan origins, and that East Gondwana vicariance explains the diversification of the subfamily Thereuoneminae into its Asian and Australian clades.Global.Centipedes, Scutigeromorpha.We use a novel molecular dataset sampled across the PIP and a global sequence database representing the geographic distribution of all families and subfamilies. We employ molecular phylogenetic analyses on two mitochondrial and three nuclear markers, molecular species delimitation and ancestral range estimation to reconstruct biogeographic history.Ancestral scutigeromorphs were likely widely distributed across Gondwana and diverged prior to any continental vicariance. Their subsequent biogeography is shaped by continental vicariance, long‐distance dispersal and jump dispersal, indicating an ability to colonize areas far from their ancestral range. The PIP emerged as the ancestral range of Thereuoneminae, which started diversifying during the Cretaceous Period. Subsequent in‐situ diversification within the PIP and dispersals into Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands best explained the extant distribution of Thereuoneminae, more so than East Gondwana vicariance.The in‐situ diversification of PIP species and their ancient divergence suggest they represent Gondwanan relicts in a landmass whose biota is primarily dispersal‐driven. A single dispersal event from the PIP generated most of the extant diversity in Australia, another Gondwanan fragment. Furthermore, the discovery of 11 putative species from the PIP and the Andaman Islands, five times more than was known, highlights the Wallacean and Linnean shortfalls in tropical Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Centipedes are terrestrial and predatory arthropods that possess an evolutionary transformed pair of appendages used for venom injection—the forcipules. Many arthropods incorporate reinforcing elements into the cuticle of their piercing or biting structures to enhance hardness, elasticity or resistance to wear and structural failure. Given their frequent exposure to high mechanical stress, we hypothesise that the cuticle of the centipede forcipule might be mechanically reinforced. With a combination of imaging, analytical techniques and mechanical testing, we explore the centipede forcipule in detail to shed light on its morphology and performance. Additionally, we compare these data to characteristics of the locomotory leg to infer evolutionary processes. Results: We examined sclerotization patterns using confocal laser-scanning microscopy based on autofluorescence properties of the cuticle (forcipule and leg) and elemental composition by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in representative species from all five centipede lineages. These experiments revealed gradually increasing sclerotization towards the forcipular tarsungulum and a stronger sclerotization of joints in taxa with condensed podomeres. Depending on the species, calcium, zinc or chlorine are present with a higher concentration towards the distal tarsungulum. Interestingly, these characteristics are more or less mirrored in the locomotory leg's pretarsal claw in Epimorpha. To understand how incorporated elements affect mechanical properties, we tested resistance to structural failure, hardness (H) and Young's modulus (E) in two representative species, one with high zinc and one with high calcium content. Both species, however, exhibit similar properties and no differences in mechanical stress the forcipule can withstand. Conclusions: Our study reveals similarities in the material composition and properties of the forcipules in centipedes. The forcipules transformed from an elongated leg-like appearance into rigid piercing structures. Our data supports their serial homology to the locomotory leg and that the forcipule's tarsungulum is a fusion of tarsus and pretarsal claw. Calcium or zinc incorporation leads to comparable mechanical properties like in piercing structures of chelicerates and insects, but the elemental incorporation does not increase H and E in centipedes, suggesting that centipedes followed their own pathways in the evolutionary transformation of piercing tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cormocephalus brasiliensis Humbert & Saussure, 1870 has been described based on a single damaged specimen and without detailed information or illustrations. Since then, there has been no further detailed treatment of the taxon. Here, C. brasiliensis is redescribed in detail and illustrated based on the type material plus extra material from Brazil, Colombia, Panama and Ecuador; a diagnosis for the species is provided; its distribution is updated and expanded, with new records for some states in Brazil. The relationships between C. brasiliensis and C. edithae González-Sponga, 2000, C. ungulatus (Meinert, 1886) and C. impressus unimarginatus Bücherl, 1941 are analyzed; both C. ungulatus and C. impressus unimarginatus are junior synonyms of C. brasiliensis. The presence of the latter within the Neotropical subclade called the ‘guildingii-subgroup’ is examined and confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new centipede species, Mecistocephalus aspiculussp. n. from Guangdong Province in China, is described. It is the second Mecistocephalus species without a spiculum, after Mecistocephalus yanagiharai Takakuwa, 1936. The description is additionally accompanied by a diagnosis and illustrations of the examined material, while the presence of a comma-shaped lateral sclerite near the labrum is proposed as a new diagnostic character. The presence and absence of the spiculum in each genus of the family Mecistocephalidae is also listed briefly to provide insight for further investigation of the evolutionary trends of mecistocephalid species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene duplication followed by nucleotide differentiation is one of the simplest mechanisms to develop new functions for genes. However, the evolutionary processes underlying the divergence of multigene families remain controversial. We used multigene families found within the diversity of toxic proteins in centipede venom to test two hypotheses related to venom evolution: the two-speed mode of venom evolution and the rapid accumulation of variation in exposed residues (RAVER) model. The two-speed mode of venom evolution proposes that different types of selection impact ancient and younger venomous lineages with negative selection being the predominant form in ancient lineages and positive selection being the dominant form in younger lineages. The RAVER hypothesis proposes that, instead of different types of selection acting on different ages of venomous lineages, the different types of selection will selectively contribute to amino acid variation based on whether the residue is exposed to the solvent where it can potentially interact directly with toxin targets. This hypothesis parallels the longstanding understanding of protein evolution that suggests that residues found within the structural or active regions of the protein will be under negative or purifying selection, and residues that do not form part of these areas will be more prone to positive selection. To test these two hypotheses, we compared the venom of 26 centipedes from the order Scolopendromorpha from six currently recognized species from across North America using both transcriptomics and proteomics. We first estimated their phylogenetic relationships and uncovered paraphyly among the genus Scolopendra and evidence for cryptic diversity among currently recognized species. Using our phylogeny, we then characterized the diverse venom components from across the identified clades using a combination of transcriptomics and proteomics. We conducted selection-based analyses in the context of predicted three-dimensional properties of the venom proteins and found support for both hypotheses. Consistent with the two-speed hypothesis, we found a prevalence of negative selection across all proteins. Consistent with the RAVER hypothesis, we found evidence of positive selection on solvent-exposed residues, with structural and less-exposed residues showing stronger signal for negative selection. Through the use of phylogenetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and selection-based analyses, we were able to describe the evolution of venom from an ancient venomous lineage and support principles of protein evolution that directly relate to multigene family evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The single published record of centipedes from the Chagos Archipelago, British Indian Ocean Territory, is for the scolopendrid Rhysida longipes Newport, 1845, from Eagle Island. Recent collections from Diego Garcia atoll include new records of R. longipes as well as four other centipede species, including the first records of the orders Lithobiomorpha and Geophilomorpha. A new species of the lithobiid Australobius Chamberlin, 1920, A. chagosensissp. n., is closely allied to species described from southern India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The henicopid Lamyctes is represented by two geographically widespread species, L. mauriesi Demange, 1981 and L. tristani (Pocock, 1893), from which sequence data for the COI barcode marker are presented and analysed phylogenetically. The types of Lamyctes albipes (Pocock, 1894), and L. tristani, from Java and Tristan da Cunha, respectively, are illustrated for the first time to facilitate taxonomic comparisons with Chagos material. Specimens of Mecistocephalus are identified as Mecistocephalus lohmanderi Verhoeff, 1939, closely resembling specimens from the Seychelles. Collections from the archipelago in 1971–1972 also included Mecistocephalus angusticeps (Ribaut, 1914), and Nycternyssa dekania dekania (Verhoeff, 1938). The Chagos centipede fauna reveals affinities to those of the southern Indian Subcontinent, East Africa, Madagascar, the Maldives, the Seychelles, and Java. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evolution of novelty is a central theme in evolutionary biology, yet studying the origins of traits with an apparently discontinuous origin remains a major challenge. Venom systems are a well-suited model for the study of this phenomenon because they capture several aspects of novelty across multiple levels of biological complexity. However, while there is some knowledge on the evolution of individual toxins, not much is known about the evolution of venom systems as a whole. One way of shedding light on the evolution of new traits is to investigate less specialised serial homologues, i.e. repeated traits in an organism that share a developmental origin. This approach can be particularly informative in animals with repetitive body segments, such as centipedes. Results: Here, we investigate morphological and biochemical aspects of the defensive telopodal glandular organs borne on the posterior legs of venomous stone centipedes (Lithobiomorpha), using a multimethod approach, including behavioural observations, comparative morphology, proteomics, comparative transcriptomics and molecular phylogenetics. We show that the anterior venom system and posterior telopodal defence system are functionally convergent serial homologues, where one (telopodal defence) represents a model for the putative early evolutionary state of the other (venom). Venom glands and telopodal glandular organs appear to have evolved from the same type of epidermal gland (four-cell recto-canal type) and while the telopodal defensive secretion shares a great degree of compositional overlap with centipede venoms in general, these similarities arose predominantly through convergent recruitment of distantly related toxin-like components. Both systems are composed of elements predisposed to functional innovation across levels of biological complexity that range from proteins to glands, demonstrating clear parallels between molecular and morphological traits in the properties that facilitate the evolution of novelty. Conclusions: The evolution of the lithobiomorph telopodal defence system provides indirect empirical support for the plausibility of the hypothesised evolutionary origin of the centipede venom system, which occurred through functional innovation and gradual specialisation of existing epidermal glands. Our results thus exemplify how continuous transformation and functional innovation can drive the apparent discontinuous emergence of novelties on higher levels of biological complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plutonium zwierleini is a large plutoniumid centipede of great evolutionary interest, occurring with isolated populations along the western Mediterranean area, from Spain to Italy. Due to its rarity and the extreme paucity of available records, P. zwierleini is among the least known Mediterranean chilopods, and scarce information is currently available on its ecology and natural history. Based on an extensive sampling effort carried out in Sicily between 2022 and 2023, we here provide additional occurrence localities for the species across Sicily, and new insights into its ecology. Overall, 29 novel Sicilian records of P. zwierleini, scattered across 21 localities, were collected thus increasing its known Sicilian distribution area by 117%, and the number of localities by 110%. The species was found in a wide range of habitats such as open areas, woods, buildings, and caves, characterizing Plutonium zwierleini as a habitat generalist, whose fine ecological preferenda need to be further explored. Moreover, to explore the diet and behaviour of the species, some specimens were kept in captivity. The captive individuals fed mostly on dead or poorly mobile soft-bodied prey and inert food, without ever displaying predatory behaviour; this suggests that, contrarily to what is currently assumed, P. zwierleini might be a scavenger rather than a predator. The potential distribution of Plutonium zwierleini in Sicily was inferred based on georeferenced occurrence records and climatic variables. The implemented MaxEnt model forecasts the possible occurrence of P. zwierleini on the whole island, with the single exception of its south-easternmost part, possibly due to the local pattern of precipitation seasonality. We hope that the present work might pave the way for further surveys aimed at a better understanding of the ecology of Plutonium zwierleini and the collection of new data in the other regions inhabited by this secretive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centipedes of the genus Scolopocryptops Newport, 1844 are blind species mostly described from the New World and East Asia. In this study, a Japanese species, S. quadristriatus (Verhoeff, 1934), which is characterised by four longitudinal keels on the tergites, is re-described, based on the likely holotype preserved in the Zoologische Staatssammlung München and specimens newly collected from near the type locality. In addition, S. longisetosus sp. nov., a new species that bears tergal keels like S. quadristriatus, is described from the Ryukyu Islands in Japan and Taiwan. Although the presence of four keels on tergites is unique to these two species, phylogenetic analyses using nuclear and mitochondrial markers showed that S. longisetosus sp. nov. is not sister to S. quadristriatus. The obtained phylogeny indicates that the tergal longitudinal keels evolved in parallel within Scolopocryptops or that the presence of keels represents a plesiomorphic character of the clade containing these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Centipedes of the family Geophilidae s.l. are widespread in the Holarctic, with the south-eastern part of the European Alps standing out as one of the most investigated regions. However, retrieving the published records for this taxon, even for this region, is challenging, since most of them are sparse in the specialised literature and interpreting them is hampered by the many taxonomic and nomenclatorial changes occurred in the past and recent times. New information: We assembled and released a dataset of occurrence records of the geophilid species in the south-eastern Alps, including all the published records and many other records present in unpublished catalogues of scientific collections. For each record, we integrated information from all the sources about: locality, date of collection, the taxonomic identifications, number and sex of individuals and available sequences of molecular markers. For all the records, we estimated geographic coordinates of the locality, when not originally provided, based on the information available. We also estimated the accuracy of the position. The dataset includes 3293 records referred to 39 species, obtained since the first half of the 19th century and up to 2022; 52% of these records have been released publicly for the first time in the dataset here described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic identities of the two largely neglected Scolopendra Linnaeus, 1758 species from continental Spain, S. viridipes Dufour, 1820 and S. chlorotes L. Koch in Rosenhauer, 1856, are examined in this paper. After efforts in locating both species' type series in eight European institutions, the specimens are considered to be lost. Consequently, the identifications of both taxa were approximated by collating their descriptions with the morphology of all other sympatric Scolopendromorpha. Then, compatible topotypes for both species were collected, and among these a neotype for each taxon were selected and compared with the type series of their respective closest relatives. Finally, both S. viridipes and S. chlorotes are proposed to be conspecific with S. oraniensis Lucas, 1846. Therefore, the name S. viridipes is here established as (senior) syn. nov. and nomen oblitum of S. oraniensis, S. oraniensis is declared as nomen protectum , and S. chlorotes (junior) syn. nov. is reallocated to S. oraniensis. Moreover, the specimens making up the type series of S. oraniensis are also indicated and redescribed, the genitalia are illustrated for the first time, and its specific epithet is briefly reviewed, remaining unaltered in respect of its original spelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scutigeromorph centipedes are conspicuous, yet often ignored myriapods for which little work has been conducted in southern South America. After examining recent and museum collections from Chile and Argentina, two new species of generic uncertainty were identified. A new genus of scutigerid centipede, Edgethreua, is therefore described with two new species, E. chilensis from Central Chile (type species of the genus) and E. goloboffi from Argentinian Patagonia. The new genus is characterised by the presence of scattered setiform bristles with short paired spines and the absence of simple spinulae and spines on all stomatotergites, the presence of a single spine-bristle in the prefemur of the second maxilla, a patch of cuticular ridges and pores surrounding the sensilla of the proximal labral portion of the epipharynx, the morphology of the sensilla of the distal patch of the hypopharynx and the morphology of the female gonopods. A phylogenetic analysis of the new species using two nuclear ribosomal RNA genes (18S and 28S rRNA), two mitochondrial ribosomal RNA genes (12S and 16S rRNA) and the mitochondrial protein-encoding gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I show that the new genus does not cluster with any other described genus of scutigeromorph represented in molecular phylogenies. The data indicate that the new genus is probably sister group to a clade including the genera Lassophora, Ballonema and the subfamily Thereuoneminae, although one analysis suggests a position as sister group to Scutigerinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing from the characteristics of centipedes, such as their low center of gravity, high stability in movement, adaptability to complex terrains, and ability to continue moving even after losing a limb, this paper designs a self-reconfigurable centipede-type rescue robot with relatively high stability while moving. The robot's body can lift and traverse higher obstacles, and its multi-segmented structure enables self-disconnection and reconstruction for docking. Moreover, the proposed robot is adept at navigating diverse terrains and surmounting obstacles, equipped with a camera sensor facilitating life recognition, terrain surveying, scene understanding, and obstacle avoidance. Its capabilities prove advantageous for achieving challenging ground rescue missions. Motion stability tests, conducted across various terrains, showcase the robot's ability to maintain a consistent movement path in rugged environments. Operating with a leg lift height of 0.02 m, the robot achieves a speed of 0.09 m per second. In simulated damaged conditions, the robot demonstrates the capacity to disconnect and reconnect its limbs swiftly, restoring movement capabilities within a single second. During environmental perception tasks, the robot processes and analyzes environmental data in real time at a rate of approximately 15 frames per second, with an 80% confidence level. With an F1 score exceeding 93% and an average precision rate surpassing 98%, the robot showcases its reliability and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive overview of the state of knowledge on the ChilopodaGeophilomorpha of the Asian part of Russia is presented, based on the critical revision of all published morphological descriptions and all geographical records. Revised diagnoses for all the 38 nominal species so far reported from Asian Russia are given, with comments on their validity. Among them a total of 18 species are recorded only from this region and many of them from a single locality only. The species belong to Geophilidae s. l., (in the genera Arctogeophilus, Geophilus, Pachymerium, and Strigamia), Schendylidae (Escaryus), and Mecistocephalidae (Agnostrup, Arrup, and Tygarrup). At least two species have been introduced, namely Geophilus flavus and Tygarrup javanicus. The history of studies on the Geophilomorpha in the Asian part of Russia are also summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hanseniella chilensis is the only myriapod of the class Symphyla known from Chile. This garden centipede, or pseudocentipede, was described more than 120 years ago based on morphologically incomplete specimens collected in central Chile, a well-known biodiversity hotspot. In this study, we redescribe this species based on morphologically complete specimens collected near the type locality using scanning electron microscope images. Our study provides the description of diagnostic characters hitherto unknown in this species such as macrochaetae of the tergites and spinnerets of the cerci. We also include a new record from central Chile and discuss the presumed presence of this species in Argentina and Madagascar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What are the benefits of liberating museum objects from their colonial frames of reference to reincorporate them into Indigenous ways of knowing? As curators working together with Torres Strait Islanders to interpret museum objects, the authors focus on collected items relating to centipedes acquired during the experimental era of scientific investigation by a zoologist and an ethnographer in eastern Zenadth Kes, the Torres Strait waters between northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. In the scientific sphere, the centipede Scolopendra existed for a time as an insect before "becoming" a myriapod. In Zenadth Kes it has always existed as isi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model of the interaction between two companies exchanging goods of two kinds is considered. The goods can also be sold on the market. The prices of the goods change over time. The interaction is modeled by a discrete-time positional game similar to Rosenthal's Centipede game. Conditions for a contract between the companies are found under which the companies do not violate the contract because it is unprofitable for them. Such conditions are modeled by a Nash equilibrium in a positional game. It is found that sufficient conditions for a contract are that it renews every two points of time and each company pays a rather heavy penalty if it refuses to exchange goods with the other company. The necessary limits on the size of the penalty are determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): We previously revealed that scorpio and centipede (SC) improve the inflammatory response in asthma, whereas it is unclear whether ferroptosis is involved in this process. Materials and Methods: The asthmatic mouse model was established and lung tissues were collected for histopathological examination. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin- (IL-)1β, Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed in asthmatic mice and mouse airway epithelial cells. Results: Our results showed that ferroptosis was induced in asthmatic mice, as evidenced by the reduction of FTH1 and GPX4 expression and the increase of MDA and Fe2+ levels (all P<0.05). Ferrostatin-1 repressed inflammation and ferroptosis of asthmatic mice. Additionally, SC significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MDA, and Fe2+, while enhancing FTH1 and GPX4 expression. However, SC plus erastin showed the reverse results. Moreover, ferroptosis remarkably increased in asthmatic airway epithelial cells, while SC suppressed ferroptosis of the cells (all P<0.05). Conclusion: SC ameliorated asthma by inhibiting the crosstalk between ferroptosis and inflammation in airway epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cave-dwelling species are of special interest in evolutionary biology, because (i) many share particular traits associated with the cave habitat (troglomorphic traits), and (ii) some represent relict lineages that may conserve ancestral traits or possibly transitional traits, which may provide insights into the evolution of other highly derived species. However, these different kinds of characters are hard to assess thoroughly in troglobionts belonging to little known terrestrial arthropod groups. We describe a new species of centipedes from the Areias System caves, Brazil, namely, Plutogeophilus jurupariquibaba gen.n. sp.n., which adds to the few putative troglobionts known among Chilopoda Geophilomorpha. We analyzed a suite of characters in the light of a phylogenetic analysis and by direct comparison with epigean relatives, controlling for interindividual variation and its confounding sources. We found that: (i) troglomorphic traits of P. jurupariquibaba may include large body, elongate antennae, elongate legs and claws, and possibly also elongate setae and large coxal pores; (ii) the cave-dwelling Plutogeophilus is the sister lineage of the soil-dwelling Macronicophilus, whose morphology is highly derived and whose phylogenetic position remained unclear; (iii) compared with other extant geophilids, symplesiomorphic traits and apparently intermediate traits found in Plutogeophilus provide insights on the origin of the morphology of Macronicophilus, suggesting a stepwise modification of labrum, forcipular apparatus and ultimate legs, and the derivation of the unique rounded and spiny tip of the second maxillae from a pointed claw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strigamia centipedes are widespread in European forest soils. However, a complex and inconsistent taxonomy has developed over time. Based on a modern species concept, we evaluated multiple lines of evidence for speciation among inland populations of Strigamia from the Italian region to the Baltic region, across central Europe. Hypotheses of species delimitation were drawn independently from: (1) morphological differentiation, by means of model-based cluster analyses of 52 specimens, after controlling for allometry and sexual dimorphism; (2) syntopy of morphologically distinct individuals, assumed to be representatives of coexistent species, from > 700 sites; and (3) molecular differentiation, by various methods applied to cytochrome c subunit I sequences of the same 52 specimens. Diagnoses and geographical distributions were revised by re-examining > 2000 specimens and the entire literature. We found preliminary evidence for: a Strigamia acuminata species complex, widespread, including a candidate species from the Eastern Alps differing in the forcipules; a Strigamia carniolensis species complex, hitherto often called Strigamia crassipes , widespread south of the Alps but absent from Sicily; a Strigamia crassipes species complex, hitherto often called Strigamia transsilvanica , more widespread than previously known, including three candidate species co-occurring in the Western Alps and differing in body size and the number of legs despite little genetic divergence; and Strigamia engadina , exclusive to a narrow part of the Central Alps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Despite adult amphibians often being predators of arthropods, there are cases where the roles are reversed. This study focuses on the potential predator–prey relationship between the spectacled salamander (Salamandrina perspicillata) and the centipede Scolopendra cingulata in Central Italy. In a natural site, we observed a strong avoidance pattern (negative co-occurrence) of the two study species under shelters (stones). Given the importance of olfactory cues in the salamander's behavioural choices, we hypothesized that this species would actively avoid shelters used by the centipede so as to evade potential attacks and predation. However, when we forced the study species to choose between sharing or not sharing a given shelter in a laboratory experiment, the avoidance pattern was not confirmed. Our exploratory results show that what often appears to be a strong observation-based pattern in natural settings needs to be carefully evaluated, and experiments in controlled environments could help exclude potentially misleading processes. Interactions between amphibians and arthropods encompass a wide range of ecological relationships, predominantly characterized by predator–prey dynamics, with adult amphibians as the predators. In some instances, the roles are reversed. This study focuses on the potential predator-prey relationship between the spectacled salamander (Salamandrina perspicillata) and the centipede Scolopendra cingulata in Central Italy. Building upon previous research on chemical cue perception in amphibians, we investigated potential olfactory cue-mediated avoidance behaviours exhibited by S. perspicillata towards the potential predator S. cingulata through field observations and manipulative experiments. In a natural site, we estimated the degree of negative co-occurrence between the study species under shelters and found an avoidance pattern between S. perspicillata and S. cingulata in refuges. However, when the study species were forced to choose between sharing or not sharing a given shelter, through a manipulative experiment, the avoidance pattern was not confirmed. Potential determinants contributing to the avoidance pattern observed in nature are discussed. Our exploratory results represent a good example of how what often appears to be a strong observation-based pattern in natural settings needs to be carefully scrutinized. Hypotheses testing through experiments in controlled environments remains a valuable approach to exclude potentially misleading processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two modes of post-embryonic development, hemianamorphosis and epimorphosis, show a distinct pattern among extant centipede (Chilopoda) orders. Although studies on post-embryonic development in Lithobiomorpha date back to the 19th and the 20th century, many ambiguities referring to nomenclature of their post-embryonic stages still exist. In this paper coherent terminology of the post-embryonic stages in Lithobius melanops, which could be applied to other lithobiomorphs, is proposed. Additionally, morphological variability of selected morphological traits was analyzed using traditional and geometric morphometric approaches. We recognized five anamorphic (anamorph 0 to 4) and five epimorphic stages (agenitalis, immaturus, praematurus, pseudomaturus and maturus). Measurement and count of certain morphometric characters, detailed description of genital appendages, shape and size variation of the forcipular apparatus, the cephalic capsule and the terminal legs are given. Moreover, for the purpose of geometric morphometric analyses we separated specimens of epimorphic stages into three groups (agenitalis-, praematurus- and maturus-like) based on the level of differentiation of genital appendages. Sexual size dimorphism of the forcipular apparatus was observed only in the praematurus group. Also, significant inter-group forcipular size and shape differences are found between some tested groups. Furthermore, significant differences in size and shape were recorded for the cephalic capsule between all groups. Finally, significant size differences in ultimate legs are present between all epimorphic groups, while shape differences were detected only between agenitalis and maturus groups. Our results contribute to overcoming terminological disparities and provide guidelines for distinguishing stages via discrete and continuous changes during post-embryonic development of the anamorphic centipede. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The caves of Igatu, municipality of Andaraí, belonging to the region known as Chapada Diamantina represent a new hotspot of subterranean fauna. These caves are siliciclastic, which are sedimentary rocks where silica predominates, such as sandstones and (following metamorphism) quartzites, which makes them even more relevant from the point of view of subterranean diversity. For five caves, which we named Igatu Cave System (ICS), thirty-seven obligate cave species were found, of which thirty-five were troglobitic and two were stygobitic. The troglobitic taxa for ICS belong to three phyla, nine classes, 18 orders, and 32 families, representing a high phylogenetic diversity. Some taxa were, for the first time, reported as troglobitic in Brazil and even worldwide, such as Acari and scutigeromorphans (Chilopoda). We started the studies in 2009 and continue trough long-term monitoring projects. Some threats, severe in the past, such as "garimpo" (illegal small-scale artisanal mining) continue nowadays in an incipient way; however, the urban expansion due to the touristic appeal is also considered a threat. Our data ranked ICS as the Brazilian hotspot with the highest number of troglobitic/stygobitic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the drivers of intra‐specific genetic diversity in centipedes, a group of ancient predatory soil arthropods. Location: Asia, Australasia and Europe. Time Period: Present. Major Taxa Studied: Centipedes (Class: Chilopoda). Methods: We assembled a database of 1245 mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences representing 128 centipede species from all five orders of Chilopoda. This sequence dataset was used to estimate genetic diversity for centipede species and compare its distribution with estimates from other arthropod groups. We studied the variation in centipede genetic diversity with species traits and biogeography using a beta regression framework, controlling for the effect of shared evolutionary history within a family. Results: A wide variation in genetic diversity across centipede species (0–0.1713) falls towards the higher end of values among arthropods. Overall, 27.57% of the variation in mitochondrial COI genetic diversity in centipedes was explained by a combination of predictors related to life history and biogeography. Genetic diversity decreased with body size and latitudinal position of sampled localities, was greater in species showing maternal care and increased with geographic distance among conspecifics. Main Conclusions: Centipedes fall towards the higher end of genetic diversity among arthropods, which may be related to their long evolutionary history and low dispersal ability. In centipedes, the negative association of body size with genetic diversity may be mediated by its influence on local abundance or the influence of ecological strategy on long‐term population history. Species with maternal care had higher genetic diversity, which goes against expectations and needs further scrutiny. Hemispheric differences in genetic diversity can be due to historic climatic stability and lower seasonality in the southern hemisphere. Overall, we find that despite the differences in mean genetic diversity among animals, similar processes related to life‐history strategy and biogeography are associated with the variation within them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During an inventory of the botanical garden Jean Massart in Auderghem, eight species of Entognatha (six Collembola and two Diplura), 13 Malacostraca (one Amphipoda and 12 Isopoda) and 23 Myriapoda (nine Chilopoda, 12 Diploda and two Symphyla) were observed. The most remarkable species were Porcellio dilatatus Brandt, 1833, Geophilus osquidatum Brölemann, 1909 and Cylindroiulus britannicus (Verhoeff, 1891). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the problem of preserving biodiversity on the planet has become increasingly relevant. Therefore, research on the ecological characteristics of organisms that play an important role in the functioning of biogeocoenoses is especially relevant. Chilipoda millipedes are one of these groups. Currently, many questions on the ecology of Chilopods, especially in the territory of Albania, remain unresolved. This motivates researchers to seek answers to these issues. The primary research aim is to analyse the specific features of the ecology of the Chilipoda millipedes inhabiting Vlora. The material used for the study was the author's collections of centipedes. Manual collection and soil sampling methods were used in the research. Determination of the taxonomic affiliation of centipedes was performed by examining the morphological features of centipedes under a stereoscopic microscope and further determining specimens with the help of determination keys. In the field under investigation, the Chilipoda fauna is represented by 6 species from 4 orders, 6 genera, and 5 families. Temperature and humidity have been shown to have a significant influence on the geographical distribution of chilopods: thus, the occurrence of centipedes in litter and the upper soil layer decreases significantly with the onset of drought. The character of flora plays a secondary role in the distribution of centipedes. It was established that soils with high content of humus and nitrogen are a favourable habitat for centipedes. The paper presents, for the first time for the Vlora region, data on the vertical distribution of S. coleoptrata along the soil profile. Scootigers preferred litter and did not migrate into the soil. Other representatives of Chilipoda were mainly found in the uppermost soil layer (0-10 cm), moreover Chilipoda were concentrated in the litter, and only a small part of them descended to a depth of 20 cm. The obtained results contribute to the knowledge of the ecological features of chilopods

Feeding is a complex process that involves an integrated response of multiple functional systems. Animals evolve phenotypic integration of complex morphological traits to covary and maximize performance of feeding behaviors. Specialization, such as feeding on dangerous prey, can further shape the integration of behavior and morphology as traits are expected to evolve and maintain function in parallel. Feeding on centipedes, with their powerful forcipules that pinch and inject venom, has evolved multiple times within snakes, including the genus Tantilla. However, the behavioral and morphological adaptations used to consume this dangerous prey are poorly understood. By studying snakes with varying degrees of dietary specialization, we can test the integration of diet, morphology, and behavior to better understand the evolution of consuming difficult prey. We studied the prey preference and feeding behavior of Tantilla using the flat-headed snake (T. gracilis) and the crowned snake (T. coronata), which differ in the percentage of centipedes in their diet. We then quantified cranial anatomy using geometric morphometric data from CT scans. To test prey preference, we offered multiple types of prey and recorded snake behavior. Both species of snakes showed interest in multiple prey types, but only struck or consumed centipedes. To subdue centipedes, crowned snakes used coiling and holding (envenomation) immediately after striking, while flat-headed snakes used the novel behavior of pausing and holding onto centipedes for a prolonged time prior to the completion of swallowing. Each skull element differed in shape after removing the effects of size, position, and orientation. The rear fang was larger in crowned snakes, but the mechanical advantage of the lower jaw was greater in flat-headed snakes. Our results suggest that the integration of behavioral and morphological adaptations is important for the success of subduing and consuming dangerous prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thereuonema tuberculata (Wood, 1862), a centipede, is distributed mainly in Asia. In Japan, T. tuberculata is found throughout Honshu Island and southwards, although less commonly to the north on Hokkaido. Our survey additionally showed that this species occurs commonly at altitudes of 0-540 m on Hokkaido. The northern limit of this species in Japan seems to be Nakagawa Town, Hokkaido. Thereuonema tuberculata was also collected on isolated islands off southwestern Hokkaido. Although previous studies have suggested distribution of T. tuberculata in Hokkaido is anthropogenic, it may be natural. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a combination of morphological and DNA data, a new scolopendrid centipede from southern and southwestern China was revealed: O. tricarinatus sp. nov. The species belong to the politus group but has three sharp tergal keels. Validation of phylogenetic status was performed through molecular analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S rRNA, and 28S rRNA sequences from 16 Otostigmus species. Otostigmus tricarinatus sp. nov. was found to be two populations and varied in the number of spines on the ultimate prefemur, the sutures on a sternite, and a pore-free median longitudinal strip in the pore field. The Yunnan-Guizhou plateau population of O. tricarinatus sp. nov. was sister to the clade O. politus politus + O. politus yunnanensis + Guangxi population of O. tricarinatus sp. nov. with strong support from both BI (bayesian inference) and ML (maximum likelihood) analyses (PP = 1, BS = 97%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione S-transferase (GST), as well as the concentrations of sulfhydryl (SH) groups and glutathione (GSH) were analyzed in five age classes of the Mediterranean centipede Scolopendra cingulata as follows: embryo, adolescens, maturus junior, maturus, and maturus senior. The data obtained showed the presence of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GR, GST, and SH groups in embryos. The transition from embryo to adolescens was accompanied by an increase in the activities of all studied enzymes, in response to the increased production of ROS due to the increased metabolic activity of the centipede associated with growth and development. Our results show that trends in antioxidant enzyme (AOE) activities were not uniform among adult age classes, suggesting that maturus junior, maturus, and maturus senior differentially respond and/or have different susceptibility to ROS. On the other hand, GSH concentration in embryos was undetectable, highest in adolescens and decreased in the latter part of life. Pearson correlation analysis in embryos showed that the activities of the AOEs were strongly and positively correlated with each other but negatively correlated with GSH and SH groups. At later age classes, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GR, GSH, and SH groups were no longer significantly correlated with GST. In the discriminant analysis, the variables that separated the age classes were GR, GST, SH groups, and body length. Body length was directly related to the age of individuals, clearly indicating that development/aging affects the regulation of antioxidant defense in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the widely distributed centipede genus Scolopocryptops Newport, 1845 is described from Trinidad based on light microscopic documentation. Scolopocryptops sukuyann. sp. is remarkable for being the only centipede known to have 25 leg-bearing segments in the trunk. The new species resembles Scolocryptops melanostoma Newport, 1845 in the shape of the cephalic plate and the coxosternal tooth plates and resembles S. miersii Newport, 1845 in the process of the forcipular trochanteroprefemur. It differs from both by the number of leg-bearing trunk segments (25 vs 23) and lengths of the thickened chitinous bands on the tooth plates, coxopleural process, and spinous prefemoral processes. Its systematic position within Scolopendromorpha, in which all but one of ca 700 species have either 21 or 23 segments and this number is mostly constant within families, indicates a trend of segment addition from 21 to 23 to 25 in the lineage leading to the new species. A review of patterns of variation in segment numbers in centipedes suggests that the 23 to 25 shift in Scolopocryptops is a consequence of the production of one extra body unit prior to the duplication of primary trunk segmental units common to all centipedes. This differs from the dramatic difference (39 or 43 vs. 21 or 23 leg-bearing segments) separating the most polypodous scolopendromorph, Scolopendropsis duplicata Chagas-Júnior et al. (Zootaxa 1888:36–46, 2008), from its closest relative, likely due to duplication (or splitting) of the whole set of trunk segments prior to duplication of the primary trunk segmental units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four specimens of the same species of scolopendromorph centipede from Eocene Baltic amber provide the first fossil occurrence of the family Plutoniumidae, a clade represented by seven extant species. The fossil material, documented by light microscopy and computed microtomography, is assigned to the genus Theatops Newport, 1844, which currently has a disjunct distribution in temperate North America, the Mediterranean region, and central China. The Eocene species is diagnostically distinct from extant congeners and is formally described as Theatops groehni sp. nov. Phylogenetic analysis of combined morphological and molecular data for three loci finds T. groehni to be nested within crown-group Plutoniumidae. The discovery of T. groehni constrains the minimal divergence date for crown-group Plutoniumidae and is consistent with hypotheses regarding the extent and nature of tropical to warm temperate European forests during the Eocene. The fossil reinforces the hypothesis that the distribution of Plutoniumidae, once more geographically widespread, has been pruned by extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil centipedes (Chilopoda, Geophilomorpha) are a widespread group of predators in the forest soils of the European Alps. While in the eastern and western parts of the Southern Prealps, larger efforts were devoted to sample and study the geophilomorph fauna, little is known about species richness and composition of geophilomorph communities in the central part of Southern Prealps. In this work, five sites located in the Val Camonica were surveyed by hand searching, between November 2021 and July 2022 and their species richness was estimated applying non-parametrical statistical methods (Chao-1 and Abundance-based Coverage Estimator) to account for incomplete detection. A total of 18 species were found amongst the five sites. A maximum of 12 species were recorded in each single site, while estimates suggest that another 1-3 species were likely undetected. Species composition were found highly variable also between sites with similar species richness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper experimentally explores the epistemic conditions behind people's non‐equilibrium behaviour in the centipede games. We propose a novel design of laboratory experiment to elicit people's first‐ and second‐order beliefs regarding their opponents' choices and beliefs. The measured beliefs, together with the choice data, help us to estimate people's level of rationality, belief of rationality and second‐order belief of rationality. To examine how these epistemic variables are affected by the social‐efficiency property of the classic increasing‐sum centipede game, we revisit the constant‐sum centipede and compare the measured epistemic conditions from the constant‐sum with those from the classic centipede. We find that people's non‐backward induction behaviour may be attributed to the diffusion of beliefs and higher‐order beliefs in the increasing‐sum centipede. We consider a behavioural model in which people's preferences for social efficiency are incorporated into the extended utility maximization problem. Our analytical and estimation results indicate that the presence of efficiency‐oriented players and people's belief towards the uncertain portion of such type of players may play a part in the non‐backward‐induction outcomes in experimental centipede games. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myriapoda of the South Ossetia comprises not less than 13 species: 8 Chilopoda species (belong to 6 genera, 5 families, and 3 orders) and 5 Diplopoda species (belong to 4 genera, 2 families, and 2 orders). Class Chilopoda and 1 species of Diplopoda are new to the regional list.

The Caucasus ecoregion is distinguished by its biodiversity. The flora and fauna of the ecoregion became the study area of many zoologists and botanists. Georgia, as a part of it, is important for its valuable and impressive diversity. However, despite many years of scientific research, certain groups, among them centipedes, are not so well studied. This is the first comprehensive summary of current knowledge about centipedes distributed in the territory of Georgia, based on literature data. It provides information about 59 taxa (57 species and two subspecies) known from Georgia, belonging to 16 genera in seven families from four orders. Nineteen species are endemic to the Caucasus, eight of which are Georgian endemics. Among them, two species: Cryptops datviensis Tuf, Barjadze, and Maghradze, 2022, and Harpolithobius birsteini Zalesskaja, 1972, are troglobiotic. Another four species (Lithobius caucasicus Sseliwanoff, 1881; Lamyctes coeculus (Brölemann, 1889); Lithobius semperi (Haase, 1887); and Scolopocryptops nigridus McNeill, 1887) are considered doubtful records. An overview of local and global distribution for each taxon is included. Lithobius fasciatus Muralevitch, 1929, syn. nov. is formally synonymized with Lithobius striatus Muralevitch, 1926. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centipedes are widely distributed over all continents. They have significant medicinal value and high toxicity, making them an intriguing subject for evolutionary research. The current study aims to provide the first comprehensive analysis of the morphology, description, and distribution preferences of the Egyptian Scolopendromorpha centipede fauna. According to surveillance research in Egypt, two Scolopendra species have been re-described. Scolopendra canidensNewport.1844 were discovered in only one location, whereas Scolopendra morsitans s Linnaeus,1758 was more abundant. Both venomous glands were histochemically investigated. This study is the first comparative report on the histology and histochemistry of the venom glands of the Egyptian centipede species. Both species' glands are primarily composed of columnar secretory cells radially arranged side by side and open through pores in a central chitinous duct. Each secretory cell is enclosed in striated muscle fibers. The secretion of both glands takes the shape of small PAS-positive granules, suggesting the presence of neutral polysaccharides. According to this surveillance study, the most abundant species was Scolopendra morsitans s Linnaeus,1758. Scolopendra canidens canidensNewport.1844 were found only on the Northwest coast of Egypt. The findings also revealed that the analyzed species are comparable in terms of their venom morphology and fundamental chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides the first data on myriapods in the Truong Sa archipelago (Vietnam). A total of 292 myriapod specimens identified 9 species in 7 genera, 6 families, 5 orders of two classes Chilopoda and Diplopoda were collected from 10 islands in the Spratly archipelago of Khanh Hoa province in Vietnam including Southwest Cay (Song Tu Tay), Sand Cay (Son Ca), Namyit island (Nam Yet), Grierson Reef (Sinh Ton Dong), Sin Cowe island (Sinh Ton), Pearson Reef (Phan Vinh), Central Reef (Truong Sa Dong), Spratly island (Truong Sa), West Reef (Da Tay), and Amboyna Cay (An Bang),,, during two surveys in October–November 2020 and May–June 2021. The class Chilopoda has 276 specimens of seven species, 6 genera, 5 families in three orders (Scolopendromorpha, Geophilomorpha, and Lithobiomorpha); The class Diplopoda has 16 specimens of 2 species, 2 genera, and 2 families in two orders (Polydesmida and Spirobolida). Among the recorded species, Rhysida longipes (Newport, 1845) were commonly recorded on all islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to provide updated information on the myriapodofauna of different habitat types in Douala. Data were collected from September 2018 to February 2019 in four types of vegetation chosen following an urban‐rural gradient: home gardens, fallow land, agrosystems and secondary forest. Sampling took place every 2 weeks using hand collection, pitfall and Winkler technique. Analysis of the diversity within the communities studied consisted in generating indices of α‐ and β‐diversity. A total of 904 individuals of 26 species and three classes were collected. Hand collection was more effective in collecting myriapods (62.3% of individuals collected and 26 species) than pitfall trapping (28.9%; 25 species) and Winkler (8.9%; eight species). The class of diplopods was the richest in species (22 species) and the most abundant (88.4% of the total number of individuals collected). It was followed by chilopods (three species and 7.0%) and symphylans (one species and 4.6%). The myriapodofauna of the forest (Shannon–Weaver index: H' = 2.93) was more diversified than that of agrosystems (H' = 2.22), fallow land (H' = 1.56) and home gardens (H' = 0.97). The secondary forest and agrosystems had the greatest species turnover, while the agrosystems and home gardens had the lowest. This study showed that myriapod diversity is affected by habitat type and season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper reproduction depends on properly functioning gonads (ovaries and testes). Many xenobiotics, including heavy metals, can cause changes in somatic and germ line cells, thus damaging the reproductive capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the heavy metal cadmium on the gonads, including germ line and somatic cells. It is important to determine whether cell death processes are triggered in both types of cells in the gonads, and which gonads are more sensitive to the presence of cadmium in the environment. The research was conducted on the soil-dwelling arthropod Lithobius forficatus (Myriapoda, Chilopoda), which is common for European fauna. Animals were cultured in soil supplemented with Cd for different periods (short- and long-term treatment). Gonads were isolated and prepared for qualitative and quantitative analysis, which enabled us to describe all changes which appeared after both the short- and long-term cadmium treatment. The results of our study showed that cadmium affects the structure and ultrastructure of both gonads in soil-dwelling organisms including the activation of cell death processes. However, the male germ line cells are more sensitive to cadmium than female germ line cells. We also observed that germ line cells are protected by the somatic cells of both gonads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]