About Geophilus vittatus Rafinesque, 1820
Geophilus vittatus (Rafinesque, 1820), commonly called the diamondback soil centipede, is a species of soil centipede in the family Geophilidae that is widespread across North America. It gets its common name from the dark band of diamond-shaped markings running across its back. This species can reach a maximum length of 52 millimeters, with an average adult length between 25 and 40 millimeters. Its body color ranges from brown to orange-yellow. Females have between 49 and 53 pairs of legs, while males have between 49 and 51 pairs of legs. Geophilus vittatus lacks consolidated carpophagus structures. It inhabits the forest floor, where it can be found under any type of debris, though it occurs most often under loose bark. It is also occasionally found near the sea.
