The taxonomy, distribution and ecology of centipedes of the genus Asanada (Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae) in Nigeria

Abstract

The distribution and variation of Asanada spp. in Nigeria is described. Three forms are recognized and their relationship with other African populations of Asanada is discussed. An account of the biology of A. sokotrana in Nigeria is given. During the rainy season the species is characteristically found in deserted mounds of Trinervetermes spp. but disappears from this habitat in the dry season, presumably retreating into the soil. Egg‐laying and brooding take place at the latter end of the dry season and the young appear at the beginning of the rains. Males live for only one year but some females live for longer than this. Growth continues through the dry season.

Paedomorphosis in the scolopendrid centipede genus Asanada <br />(Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha) explains incongruence between morphological and molecular data sets

“…It is a slow moving species and a number of specimens may be found in close proximity. It shows no ritualized fighting reactions (Lewis, 1973). Other scolopendrids, for example Scolopendra cingulata Latreille, 1829, are generally solitary and exhibit ritualized fighting reactions when they meet another individual of the same species (Klingel, 1960).…”