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Sonoran Desert Centipede

Scolopendra polymorpha

Description:

Blue Centipede about 1 inch long. This species of Scolopendra can get up to 7" long. "Coloration is variable, hence the species name "polymorpha" which means "many forms", and alternative common names like "multi-colored centipede"."

Habitat:

Under a log in Coast Sage Scrub. This is "indigenous to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, up to the Pacific coast."

1 Species ID Suggestions

Multi colored centipede
Scolopendra polymorpha blue leg centipede - Scolopendra polymorpha - BugGuide.Net


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6 Comments

Indeed. I mentioned that in the description :)

Mark Ridgway
Mark Ridgway 10 years ago

I think that's why they are named 'polymorpha'

Hi Mark, I believe it is too. Just haven't found a specimen quite this blue. I'll go ahead and update the spotting. Thanks :)

Mark Ridgway
Mark Ridgway 10 years ago

The only 'native' centipede in California

Thank you Mark. I was excited to see this one!

Mark Ridgway
Mark Ridgway 10 years ago

eek - nice colour

Escondido, California, USA

Spotted on Mar 28, 2014
Submitted on Mar 28, 2014

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