Invertebrate
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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyEarthworms, 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
Classification
- OrderGeophilomorpha
- FamilyGeophilidae
- GenusGeophilus
- SpeciesGeophilus flavus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
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
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