Diamondback Soil Centipede

Appearance

Identification:
-dark, diamond-shaped markings down the back
-uniform body width
-number of pairs of legs in the 50s-60s

Distribution

Abundant throughout temperate North America.

Reproduction

The females guard their eggs by coiling around them, like some snakes. They clean them, and secrete poisons from their underside to deter predators. If disturbed they will defend their young ferociously, although they are far too small to harm a person.