Soil centipedes
Scientific name: Geophilomorpha
Soil centipedes
Scientific name: Geophilomorpha
Description
The Geophilomorpha encompasses an intriguing group of arthropods commonly known as soil centipedes. Despite their name suggesting a multitude of legs, these creatures do not possess 100 legs; rather, they have a varying number that can exceed 30 pairs depending on the species. A common misconception is that all centipedes are harmful; however, the majority of Geophilomorpha are beneficial to ecosystems, preying on pests and helping to decompose organic matter. Their agile movement and almost mesmerizing undulation challenge perceptions of centipedes as slow or cumbersome, illustrating the remarkable adaptability and intricacy of the animal kingdom.