CHILOPODA (centipedes) > GEOPHILOMORPHA (soil centipedes) > Geophilidae

Geophilus easoni used to be synonymous with Geophilus carpophagus, but the two have now been separated with the latter more likely to be found climbing trees than on the ground. This species has a uniform tan to chestnut-brown colouring and can reach a length of 40mm. It has 47-51 pairs of legs and is somewhat bulkier in appearance when compared with other Geophilus species, but is not quite as stout as the previously described Strigamia crassipes. Despite its slightly smaller size, the body length ratio compared with its breadth is marginally, but noticeably, more than Strigamia crassipes at around 28-30:1. Its antennae are also proportionally longer, averaging 3.4 times the breadth of its head.

Records confirm that Geophilus easoni can be found on some heathlands as well as in woodland, but some of these records are questionable and none are actually from the south!

For reference, all of the individuals featured below seem to have 47 pairs of legs, and a calculated body length ratio at very close on 30:1 as the 'key'.