Symphylan (Garden Centipede)
Class Symphyla
- Order & Family
- Order Symphyla, often Family Scutigerellidae
- Size
- Very small, typically 2 to 10 millimeters in length
Natural Habitat
Typically found in moist soil, leaf litter, decaying wood, or under stones. They may occasionally be found in basements or greenhouses with high humidity.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on decaying organic matter, fungi, and soft root tissues of plants, algae, and sometimes small soil invertebrates.
Behavior Patterns
They are swift runners and actively move through soil crevices and tunnels left by earthworms or decaying roots. They are light-avoiding (photophobic) and highly sensitive to desiccation, requiring moist environments to survive.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can be agricultural pests in greenhouses or gardens by feeding on root hairs and rootlets, stunting plant growth. Benefits: They contribute to the soil ecosystem by breaking down organic matter and aiding in nutrient cycling.