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

Lithobius melanops is a medium-sized species with a length of around 15-17mm when fully mature. Its head is as about as long as it is broad with eye-patches containing between 10-13 ocelli. The antennae, which are relatively long at about two-fifths of the body length, have between 32-42 articles. It is typically a pale chestnut brown colour with a somewhat indistinct darker median band. As with many lithobids, tergites of body segments T9, T11 and T13 have prominent projections.

The species is common and widespread, occurring in most regions, apart from upland areas above 600m. It can be found both inland in rural or urban locations, including woodland, heathland and gardens, or from coastal sites and sand dunes. Drier habitats are preferred where it is most likely to be found at ground level under stones or deadwood, but occasionally it may be found under the loose bark of trees or on walls.

My only photo to date was of an individual I found in an old fence-mounted, bee-nesting box that I'd taken down to renovate.