CHILOPODA (centipedes) > LITHOBIOMORPHA (stone centipedes) > Lithobiidae

Lithobius forficatus is the common large brown species that can attain a length of 30mm when fully grown. Its head is a little broader than long with a patch of 20-30 ocelli on either side, and antennae that are about one third of its body length with 35-43 articles. The tergites of body segments T9, T11 and T13 have prominent projections. It is a widespread species that can be found in varied habitats. The only comparable species is the slightly larger, but nationally scarce, Lithobius pilicornis, which has not been recorded locally.