Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 2233687
Boreal Yellow-headed Soil Centipede
Geophilus flavusAlso known as Yellow Geophilus, Yellow Soil Centipede
Slender and threadlike, these soil-dwelling centipedes flex their ribbon-like bodies through tiny earth fissures to hunt underground prey. Their bright yellow heads house modified front limbs called forcipules, which inject paralyzing venom into soft-bodied invertebrates. Adapted to a subterranean life, they lack eyes and navigate humid leaf litter using sensitive antennae.
SubterraneanPredatoryNocturnal
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Earthworms
- Springtails
- Insect larvae
Predators
- Ground beetles
- Shrews
- Toads
ThreatsSoil compaction, heavy pesticide use, habitat loss
HabitatsDeciduous forests, agricultural soils, gardens, compost heaps
Life span2–6 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderGeophilomorpha
- FamilyGeophilidae
- GenusGeophilus
- SpeciesGeophilus flavus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Possesses venomous pincers to subdue prey; rarely pierces human skin, but handle gently.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with venomous forcipules that deliver mild neurotoxins, which can cause localized itching or slight pain if skin is pierced.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by an elongated, yellow-to-orange body with 49 to 57 leg pairs and no visible eyes.
- What to do
- Observe on leaf litter or a handheld card; avoid squeezing or trapping against bare skin.
Responsible observation
- Searching Soil: Carefully lift rotting logs or leaf mould in damp forests to observe them.
- Gentle Handling: Allow individuals to crawl onto a soft card rather than pinching their fragile bodies.
Distant Relative (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas · cc-by
Distant Relative (c) Kyle Elshoff, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kyle Elshoff · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.