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Scolopendra gigantea, giant centipede
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Scolopendra gigantea, giant centipede
A giant centipede which was brought into the Museums Insect Identification service after being found in a living room in London. The specimen is venomous and not native to the UK
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Media ID 8625026
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10715809
Arthropod Arthropoda Centipede Central America Chilopod Chilopoda Giant Myriapoda South America South American Venomous Invertebrata Scolopendra Scolopendridae
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1. Title: A Giant Encounter: The Venomous Scolopendra Gigantea Discovered in a London Home. This striking image showcases the impressive form of a Scolopendra gigantea, also known as the Amazonian giant centipede or the Peruvian giant yellowleg centipede. This specimen, measuring over 30 centimeters in length, was brought to the Museum's Insect Identification service after being discovered in a London residence. Although native to South and Central America, the arrival of this invasive invertebrate in the UK is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of global biodiversity. As a member of the Chilopoda order, specifically the Scolopendridae family, this centipede is part of the class Chilopoda, subclass Myriapoda, and phylum Arthropoda. Its anatomy is characterized by a long, segmented body, each segment bearing a pair of legs, except for the first and last. The centipede's legs, numbering 15 pairs, are long and slender, with the last pair being the most prominent and modified for grasping and injecting venom. Despite its intimidating appearance, the Scolopendra gigantea is not aggressive by nature. However, it is venomous and can inflict a painful bite when threatened. The venom, composed of a complex mixture of toxins, can cause localized pain, swelling, and in severe cases, systemic reactions. This fascinating invertebrate is a reminder of the diverse and often unexpected inhabitants of our planet. Its discovery in an urban environment underscores the importance of biodiversity conservation and the need for continued research into the biology and behavior of such intriguing organisms.
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