Scolopendra heros

Scolopendra heros
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Myriapoda
Class:	Chilopoda
Subclass:	Notostigmophora
Order:	Scolopendromorpha
Family:	Scolopendridae
Genus:	Scolopendra
Species:	S. heros
Binomial name
Scolopendra heros Girard, 1853

Scolopendra heros is a species of centipede found in North America.

Distribution

Southwestern US from Arizona to Louisiana and Mexico.

Identification

Cephalic plate with two partial, diverging, dorsal sutures; ultimate and penultimate articles of palps of 2nd maxillae with ventral ridges or lamellae ending in teeth (Figs. 27-28); ultimate tergite without mid ­dorsal suture; central Kansas, southwest­ern Missouri, and Louisiana to the Mexican border and western Arizona. (Shelley 2002)

Biology

Individuals show defensive behavior, with colors displaying an aposematic nature. Individuals have been seen carrying snakes over twice its size. (Shelley 2002)

Toxicology

Allergic reactions notwithstanding, the bite of S. heros seem to only have sharp, temporary pain. (Shelley 2002)

References

Shelley, R. M. (2002). A synopsis of the North American centipedes of the order Scolopendromorpha (Chilopoda). Virginia Museum of Natural History.