Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Chilopoda
- Order: Geophilomorpha
- Family: Geophilidae
- Genus: Geophilus
- Species: Geophilus cayugae (Chamberlin, 1913)
Description
Geophilus cayugae is a soil‑dwelling centipede belonging to the family Geophilidae. As with other members of the genus Geophilus, it possesses an elongated, segmented body that is dorsoventrally flattened and equipped with a high number of leg‑bearing segments. Reported specimens exhibit between 55 and 71 pairs of legs, a range typical for geophilomorph centipedes of comparable size. Adults reach lengths of approximately 30–45 mm, though exact size variations depend on age and environmental conditions. The species displays the characteristic forcipules (modified first pair of legs) used for prey capture, and its antennae are filiform with numerous sensory segments.
Distribution and Habitat
The species is known from the northeastern United States, with the type locality recorded in the state of New York (Cayuga County, after which the species is named). It inhabits moist soil, leaf litter, and the undersides of stones and logs in deciduous forest ecosystems. Occurrences have been documented in both natural forests and suburban habitats where suitable microhabitats are present.
Ecology
Geophilus cayugae is a predatory arthropod, feeding on small soil invertebrates such as springtails, nematodes, and other micro‑fauna. Its activity is primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, emerging from the substrate to hunt. The species contributes to soil biodiversity and participates in the regulation of micro‑faunal populations.
Conservation Status
No specific conservation assessment has been published for G. cayugae. It is not listed on major threatened‑species databases (e.g., IUCN Red List). As a soil‑dwelling invertebrate, it may be susceptible to habitat disturbance, pollution, and changes in moisture regimes, but its overall population trends are currently undocumented.
References
- Chamberlin, R. V. (1913). “New species of Chilopoda from North America.” Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 65, 167‑191.
- Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). Geophilus cayugae (TSN: 1093992). Retrieved 2026‑07‑03.
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Occurrence dataset for Geophilus cayugae. Accessed 2026‑07‑03.
Note: The information presented is based on peer‑reviewed taxonomic literature and reputable biodiversity databases.
