IDENTIFICATION (with reason) OF Scolopendra sp. (B.Sc. ZOOLOGY_CCF-CC5_SEM4)

   Identifying features are:

1. Multicellular heterotroph.
2. embryonic development, preceded by heterogametic fertilization.

            Hence, the specimen belongs to the Kingdom Animalia.

1. Segmented body covered by chitinous cuticle.
2. Body segment bear paired externally jointed appendages.
3. Anterior photoreceptors are present.

           Hence, the specimen belongs to the Phylum Arthropoda.

1. Body is divided into head & trunk.Trunk either bear pairs of walking legs,or it may be differentiated into thorax & abdomen. 
2. Uniramous appendages.
3. Head appendages comprise of one pair each of an antennae,mandibles & maxillae.
4. It has labrum.
5. Lateral ocelli, organised compound eyes, median ocelli are also present on head.

               Hence, the specimen belongs to the Sub Phylum Uniramia

1. Elongated & dorsoventrally flattened body,
2. One pair of legs in each trunk segment.
3. First trunk segments are modified as poison claws or maxillipedes.
4. Mouthparts include mandibles & two pairs of maxilliae.

              Hence,the specimen belongs to Class Chilopoda.

1. Filiform antennae.
2. 'Organs of Tomosvary' is present as a single pair at the base of antennae.
3. 21 TO 23 podous segments.
4. First pair of legs are large pointed poison claws.
5. Last apodal segments has anus,
6. Tergites are equal in size.
7. Seven jointed walking legs are present.

           Hence, the specimen seems to be Scolopendra sp.

Systematic Position (Ruppert & Barnes 1994)

 Kingdom: Animalia

   Phylum: Arthropoda

         Sub Phylum :Uniramia

                 Class: Chilopoda

                     Genus: Scolopendra