Scolopendra cingulata

European giants runners ( Scolopendra cingulata )

The European giants runners ( Scolopendra cingulata ), also Mittelmeerskolopender is spread throughout the Mediterranean region, from Portugal to the areas on the Black Sea. North of the Alps, he is missing. The other six European species are clearly limited in their distribution:

• Scolopendra canidens Newport 1844: Greece
• Scolopendra clavipes C.L.Koch 1847: Greece
• Scolopendra cretica Attems 1902: Crete
• Scolopendra dalmatica CLKoch 1847: Middle and East Mediterranean (Italy and Greece)
• Scolopendra oraniensis H. Lucas 1846: Western Mediterranean to medium ( Portugal to Italy )
• Scolopendra valida H. Lucas 1840: Canary Islands

The genus Scolopendra world are the largest species of centipede. The European giants runner reaches average body length of 10 cm, but there is also evidence of 15 -cm-long animals. The coloration of the animals may vary by region. Usually the rear edges of the spinal segments are significantly darker and the animals appear striped. To distinguish with the other species, however, detailed investigations of the genitals must be made.

The European giant rotor is mainly nocturnal and hunt insects, but occasionally small vertebrates such as lizards young. On the day the animals usually hide under large rocks and in soil columns, where they are well protected from the heat and dryness. Therefore, they are at least easier in an open area with enough stones to be found. The animals are represented in numerous habitats, but occasionally without tools hard to prove.

Similar to other species of the group and the European giant runner is one of the few invertebrates that attack when threatened. However, he has one for people not particularly dangerous poison in comparison to other species. But bites are still very painful and therefore the animals in encounters should always leave enough space to escape.