Lithobius forficatus
Common stone runners ( Lithobius forficatus )
The congregation stone runners ( Lithobius forficatus ) is a common species in Central Europe from the order of stone runners ( Lithobiomorpha ).
Features
The animals have a body length of 20-32 millimeters, making them the largest species in the genus in Central Europe. The body is dark reddish brown. The tergites 9, 11 and 13 are extended to short rearward corners. The animals have on both sides of the head for every 15 -point eyes ( ocelli ).
Occurrence
The species is distributed almost worldwide, with the exception of the Afrotropical and Oriental. The animals colonize open areas and forests, as well as gardens. One finds, for example, under bark of dead wood or under stones.
Way of life
The nocturnal animals feed on prey on insects, spiders and other arthropods. They grab their prey by contact with the sensors and inject a fast-acting poison. The bite is painful to humans. The male spins a loose cocoon to mate and lays out a spermatophore from which grasps the female with its pincer-like gonopodium and include in their genital opening. The females lay their eggs singly on the bottom. The development comprises five stages with incomplete and about another five with complete segment number. The adult animals shed their skin several times. The congregation stone runner has a life expectancy of up to five or six years.