CHILOPODA (centipedes) > SCOLOPENDROMORPHA > Cryptopsidae

As noted in the introductory write-up, Cryptops hortensis is the smallest of the three Cryptops species found in Britain, rarely reaching 30mm. However, it's not safe to simply assume that all small individuals are Cryptops hortensis as they could be immature specimens of either of the other two previously mentioned species.

Whilst they can be distinguished with close examination of the last legs, which have a prefemoral groove and tibial and tarsal combs, they're not going to be identified from photos, hence the reason why my images are all referenced as Cryptops cf.hortensis.

Interestingly though, there are a couple of characters that may be visible or not in photos that can perhaps lead to an assumption or 'likely' candidate that can tentatively be used for personal recording. The first is that Cryptops anomalans can be distinguished if you can see the cruciform shaped suture on the dorsal surface of the first tergite. That would either confirm or eliminate the species. Neither Cryptops hortensis or Cryptops parisi have any discernable sutures in that area, but they do on the head, albeit far less distinct and sometimes difficult to make out. These longitudinal paramedian sutures are present in both species, starting from the base of the antennae and, in the case of Cryptops hortensis, extending just a short way back, whereas in Cryptops parisi they are also present and visible at the back of the head, extending a short way forward. Some photos clearly show the short sutures at the front providing some level of confirmation but, subject to the light and reflections, they are often difficult to make out.

My personal take on this is that unless Cryptops anomalans can be confirmed as described, I will assume that Cryptops hortensis is the most likely species unless the specimen in question is clearly longer than 30mm when it would, in theory, be Cryptops parisi.

Despite the problems associated with substantiating records, Cryptops hortensis is regarded as both common and widespread across most of England and Wales, although far less so further north and in Scotland. I mentioned earlier that there is only one verified record for this species in Dorset, yet I rarely go in search of centipedes and don't find one!

For reference, all the individuals featured here were under 30mm long, most probably 20-25mm, so could be immatures. However, rather than labelling them 'unidentified', I prefer Cryptops cf.hortensis as the most likely species. The image of one with a common Shiny Woodlouse [Oniscus asellus] gives some size comparison.