Strigamia acuminata (Leach, 1816)

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Synonyms

Authority previously incorrectly given as Leach (1815) - see Barber & Read (2023). 

Status:

GB IUCN status: Least Concern

ID Difficulty

3

Identification

The genus Strigamia are relatively robust darkly pigmented (reddish brown) centipedes. They are readily recognised by the presence of a prominent tooth at the base of the poison claw and the large widely scattered coxal pores of the last legs. 

Strigamia acuminata, with just 37 to 41 leg pairs, is readily differentiated from its congeners S. carniolensis (formerly crassipes) and the coastal S. maritima. 

More information to allow accurate identification is given in the published identification keys by Tony Barber (2008 & 2009).

J.P. Richards
Mark Robinson
Mark Robinson
Mark Robinson
Keith Lugg
Christian Owen
Nicola Garnham
Nicola Garnham

Distribution 

Strigamia acuminata is widely recorded in England and Wales. There is a single record from the Irish south coast. Although generally a lowland centipede, it has been recorded at over 1000m asl in Snowdonia, North Wales (Barber & Gallon, 2020). 

Habitat

It is found in a variety of habitats, most often in rural woodland, but rarely found in large numbers.  It is often found under stones and dead wood, etc, but also in pitfall traps. In Snowdonia it was found under felsenmeer rocks. 

This updated account is based on the 'Centipede Atlas' (Barber, 2022).

Links

ChiloBase 2.0 - World Catalogue of Centipedes: https://chilobase.biologia.unipd.it/searches/result_species/2948

BRC code

15

idBmigTaxa

Cen_204