CHILOPODA (centipedes) > GEOPHILOMORPHA (soil centipedes) > Himantariidae

Stigmatogaster subterranea, also known as Haplophilius subterraneus, is one of the largest species you're likely to encounter, with most fully developed adults having a body length of around 60mm and with some individuals growing as long as 70mm. They are slender, about 40 times longer than broad, with 77-83 pairs of legs and short, stout antennae. Their colour varies from yellow to pale brown.

The species is regarded as being relatively common and widespread across much of the country, although far less so further north. It is typically associated with synanthropic habitats such as gardens, but in some southern areas it may also be found in woodland.