Lithobius

Most Lithobius species are typical representatives of the family Lithobiidae. They are about 2–5 centimetres (0.8–2.0 in) long and brownish in colour. The adult's body has 18 segments, and 15 pairs of legs.[2] The special characteristics include the dispersed openings of coxal glands of the last pair of legs.

Stone centipedes are found under stones or bark, in soil and decaying matter. Some are common in gardens. Lithobius forficatus is the most abundant centipede species in Europe. Like other centipedes, they are more active at night. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates. The eggs are deposited singly in soil.[2] The lifespan can be over 3 years.

The genus Lithobius was erected in 1814 by William Elford Leach, in an article published in David Brewster's Edinburgh Encyclopædia.[1] The name derives from two Greek roots, λίθος (lithos, "stone") and βίος (bio-, "life").[3] Leach did not designate a type species, and none was selected until Pierre André Latreille chose Scolopendra forficata Linnaeus, 1758 (now Lithobius forficatus).[1] Lithobius is the name-giving genus for the family Lithobiidae.[1]

Lithobius is one of about 100 genera or subgenera in the subfamily Lithobiinae. It contains over 500 species and numerous subspecies.[4] The classification of species inside the genus is a matter of discussion too. Some authors divide the genus into subgenera Eulithobius, Lithobius, Monotarsobius, Neolithobius, Pleurolithobius, Pseudolithobius, Sigibius, Thracolithobius and Troglolithobius.

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