Classification All centipedes are in phylum Arthropoda, class Chilopoda.
The class Chilopoda contains 5 living orders. (order Devonobiomorpha is extinct):
Scutigeromorpha, Lithobiomorpha, Craterostigmomorpha,
Scolopendromorpha and Geophilomorpha.
Scutigeromorpha Craterostigmomorpha Lithobiomorpha Geophilomorpha
Scutigeromorpha Craterostigmomorpha Lithobiomorpha Geophilomorpha
© Steven Lenaerts © Bob Mesibov © Steven Lenaerts © Gil Wizen


This site will be focusing on centipedes of the family
Scolopendridae in the order Scolopendromorpha.

Scolopendrid centipedes have 21 or 23 pairs of legs and a headplate with
ocelli (eyes) present and at least 17 antennomeres.


Keys to orders:


Class Chilopoda

            Subclass Notostigmophora

                        Order Scutigeromorpha
                                                Family Pselliodidae
                                                Family Scutigeridae
                                                Family Scutigerinidae

            Subclass Pleurostigmophora

                        Order Lithobiomorpha
                                                Family Henicopidae
                                                Family Lithobiidae

                        Order Craterostigmomorpha
                                                Family Craterostigmidae

                        Order Scolopendromorpha
                                                Family Scolopendridae
                                                Family Scolopocryptopidae
                                                Family Cryptopidae

                        Order Geophilomorpha

                                 Suborder Placodesmata
                                                Family Mecistocephalidae

                                 Suborder Adesmata
                                         Superfamily 1
                                                Family Neogeophilidade
                                         Superfamily 2
                                                Family Geophilidae (Geophilus)
                                         Superfamily 3
                                                Family Geophilidae (other genera)
                                                Family Linotaeniidae

cited work: references
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