Scolopendra polymorpha
Encyclopedia
Scolopendra polymorpha, the common desert centipede, tiger centipede, banded desert centipede, or Sonoran Desert centipede, is indigenous to the Southwestern United States
and Northern Mexico
, up to the Pacific coast. It inhabits dry grasslands, forest and desert; in these habitats the centipedes will generally take up residence under rocks, though they have been observed creating burrow
s in suitable environments and inside rotting logs. Its body generally reaches 4–7 in (10.2–17.8 cm) in length. Coloration is variable, hence the species name "polymorpha" which means "many forms", and alternative common name
s like "multi-colored centipede". The body segments have one dark lateral stripe, and for this reason is also known as the tiger centipede or tiger-stripe centipede. Generally this species has a darker brown, red, or orange colored head and lighter brown, tan, or orange body segments with yellow legs. Its antennae have 7 or more smooth segments.
Southwestern United States
The Southwestern United States is a region defined in different ways by different sources. Broad definitions include nearly a quarter of the United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah...
and Northern Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, up to the Pacific coast. It inhabits dry grasslands, forest and desert; in these habitats the centipedes will generally take up residence under rocks, though they have been observed creating burrow
Burrow
A burrow is a hole or tunnel dug into the ground by an animal to create a space suitable for habitation, temporary refuge, or as a byproduct of locomotion. Burrows provide a form of shelter against predation and exposure to the elements, so the burrowing way of life is quite popular among the...
s in suitable environments and inside rotting logs. Its body generally reaches 4–7 in (10.2–17.8 cm) in length. Coloration is variable, hence the species name "polymorpha" which means "many forms", and alternative common name
Common name
A common name of a taxon or organism is a name in general use within a community; it is often contrasted with the scientific name for the same organism...
s like "multi-colored centipede". The body segments have one dark lateral stripe, and for this reason is also known as the tiger centipede or tiger-stripe centipede. Generally this species has a darker brown, red, or orange colored head and lighter brown, tan, or orange body segments with yellow legs. Its antennae have 7 or more smooth segments.