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

This small pale yellow to light orangish-brown species with a slightly darker head is very similar to Schendyla nemorensis, so identity from photos alone can become a little questionable.

In terms of size, Schendyla nemorensis is probably a little longer, with most individuals being close to 20mm, whereas the typical size for Geophilus truncorum is more like 12-14mm even though some fully mature specimens may reach 20mm. They only have 37-41 pairs of legs, less than most geophilomorphs, which helps to quickly separate them, but with both species having a similar number it doesn't help distinguishing between the two. The length to breadth ratio is an indicator, 20-25 times as long as broad with Geophilus truncorum and up to 30 times with Schendyla nemorensis, but with slender species it can be difficult to obtain a conclusive figure by trying to take measurements from photos. The same applies to the antennae, where the 'key' says 2.5-3 times as long as the breadth of the head in Geophilus truncorum and 3-4 times in Schendyla nemorensis.

Fortunately, there is one clearer visible difference between the two and that relates to the appearance of the final pair of legs, which are distinctly enlarged in Schendyla nemorensis and without a claw. My photos just do not have enough detail to determine whether a claw is present but, to my eyes, the final pair of legs in these photos are much the same size as the preceding pair.

The first individual featured here has 39 pairs of legs and was around 15mm long. It was found in the depths of the forest in an area where I believe you're more likely to encounter Geophilus truncorum than Schendyla nemorensis, but the length to breadth ratio seems a tad long. However, taking all factors into account, especially the size and shape of the final legs, I feel that the identity is correct.

The specimen that I photographed later at Spearywell Wood, which was subsequently added as an update to the page, was probably a bit closer to 20mm, but with a length to breadth ratio of around 24:1 that is more in keeping with the 'key'. It has 37 pairs of legs with the final pair being not much larger than the preceding pair, which in itself should be a good enough feature to rule out Schendyla nemorensis.

Geophilus truncorum is commonly associated with woodland where it may be found in leaf-litter or under bark, but can also occur in some grassland and moorland habitats. It seems to be pretty widespread whereas Schendyla nemorensis appears to be more scattered and particularly prevalent in East Anglia, but that could well be down to local recording rather than a truly representative account.