Turk’s Earth Centipede
Fast Facts
Latin name: Nothogeophilus turki
Notable feature: The last two legs end in claws, this distinguishes the Turk’s Earth Centipede from the similar Schendyla genus
Conservation Status: Endangered
Where in the UK: The Isles of Scilly are the last known location for this animal.
Turk’s Earth Centipede (Nothogeophilus turki) is a small, pale centipede, 37-39 leg pairs. It is the only known representative of the Nothogeophilus genus. They differ from Schendyla centipedes by the last two legs ending in claws. This species is Nationally Rare and IUCN: Endangered. It’s thought that the centipede was potentially imported into the UK but the source population and location is unknown.
The Turk’s Earth Centipede is only found in Britain and nowhere else in the world. They were described as new to science in 1988 based on records from the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight. No records of this species have been seen since. This animal is thought to be restricted to coastal environments with all records coming from within 1 km of the coast. They are thought to be found under rocks and in the leaf litter. Extensive survey work on the Isle of Wight in 2011 did not find any individuals. The Isles of Scilly are the only known remaining location of this species.
Due to the rarity of Turk’s Earth Centipede, there is much we don’t yet know about it’s behaviour, diet and life span.
- Size: 13 mm.
- Life span: Unknown.
- Diet: Unknown but suspected to be a predator of tiny soil invertebrates.
- Reproduction: Unknown but similar species are very attentive mothers and will fiercely protect the eggs until hatching.
- When to see: All year round.
- Population Trend: Unknown.
- Threats: Commercial development, Recreational activities, Marine pollution.
- Interesting Fact: This is the only member of the Nothogeophilus genus. The etymology of Nothogeophilus is ‘cross-bred earth lover’.
How you can help:
Buglife is working to protect this species through the South West Species Recovery Project. The first port of call is to re-find this species. If you suspect to have found the Turk’s Earth centipede, please get in touch and share your finds – download the iRecord app and get recording!
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