centipedes and millipedes are the two most familiar classes of the Myriapoda; while both are mostly comprised of tiny uncharismatic species they’ve also got many large, colorful forms in the tropics that get a decent amount of attention (both positive and negative). but the two other classes—the Symphyla and the Pauropoda—go unnoticed by almost everyone, which isn’t too confusing when you realize most are just millimeters long. if you hadn’t heard of them, now you have, and look at how cute they are!
Symphyla are the easier of the two to find, being relatively large and conspicuous if you look under stones or decaying wood. devoid of pigment and eyes, they spend their lives scurrying through the soil in search of detritus or fresh plant roots to eat, although a minority of species are predatory.
I was able to find symphylans of two different families in a few minutes of searching:
Scutigerellids are round-headed, slightly longer-legged symphylans, and quickly scurry away from disturbance. I believe this one is a Scutigerella. these tend to be somewhat gregarious, or at least tolerate one another, since I usually find groups of them together under stones. adults of my local species are about 3mm long.
Scolopendrellids are short-legged, flat-headed symphylans, which seem notably slower than scutigerellids. I can reliably find them in the entrance levels of termite nests, although I can’t tell if they’re termitophilous or just enjoying the fungal hyphae that creep into the nice open tunnels. mine are about the same length as the Scutigerella, but more slender.
both families are named after centipedes: Scutigera and Scolopendra, both in the diminutive. while it’s kind of cute, I hope these little pale soil-swimmers can shine aside from their more famous chilopod relatives.
