Taxonomy of centipedes order scolopendromorpha in Phang Nga Province areas

Abstract

Centipedes of the order Scolopendromorpha were sampled during 2010-2011 in several localities of Phang Nga Province both on the mainland and on islands in the Andaman Sea. The collecting sites include three national parks on the mainland (Sri Phang Nga, Khao Lak-Lam Ru, Khao Lampi-Hat Tai Muang) as well as plantations (rubbers, oil palms, fruits etc.), and five islands (Ra and Phra Thong, Similan, Surin, Muk and Koh Khao). The main significant morphological characters used for identification are head plate, tergites, coxopleural process, forcipular tarsungulum, spiracles and ultimate legs. After morphological investigations, only 1 family (Scolopendridae) 2 subfamilies (Scolopendrinae and Otostigminae), 5 genera, 9 species 3 subspecies were identified. There are Asanada brevicornis, Scolopendra subspinipes dehaani (Scolopendrinae); Otostigmus astenus, O. glaber, O. multidens, O. scaber, Otostigmus sp., Rhysida nuda nuda, R. nuda immarginata, Steropristes violaceus (Otostigminae). Scolopendra subspinipes dehaani is quite common, occurring in all localities except Similan Island. This species is known as an aggressive venomous centipede, also occurring in household areas and harmful to humans. Scolopendra subspinipes has been introduced into many areas and is now a cosmopolitan species. Otostigmus astenus was also found in all observed localities. However, there still is not much information about this species. Steropristes violaceus has just been described under this study and occurs only in Similan and Surin Islands. This is a very rare species, it is the third species ever described for this genus. Asanada brevicornis was found only on Surin and Similan islands, like S. violaceus. The other five species were found in various localities which are discussed in the report. Further ecological surveys are needed to obtain knowledge about intra- inter-specific relationships as well as ecological roles of these animals. A discussion of subspecies in scolopendromorph centipedes is presented.