''Arthrorhabdus'', from the Greek '' ἄρθρον'', a joint, and '' ῥάβδος'', a staff, is a

genus Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus com ...

of Scolopendrid centipede in the

subfamily In biological classification, a subfamily (Latin: ', plural ') is an auxiliary (intermediate) taxonomic rank, next below family but more inclusive than genus. Standard nomenclature rules end subfamily botanical names with "-oideae", and zoologi ...

''Scolopendrinae''.Shelley, R.M. & Chagas-Jr, Amazonas. (2004). The centipede genus Arthrorhabdus Pocock, 1891, in the Western hemisphere: Potential occurrence of A-pygmaeus (Pocock, 1895) in Belize (Scolopendromorpha : Scolopendridae : Scolopendrinae). Western North American Naturalist. 64. 532-537. Species are found in Mexico and the Southern United States (''A. pygmaeus)'', Australia ''(A. paucispinus'' & ''A. mjöbergi)'', and South Africa ''(A. formosus)''. Since a reapprasial in the genus in 2010, the genus only has four species. It may be

polyphyletic A polyphyletic group is an assemblage of organisms or other evolving elements that is of mixed evolutionary origin. The term is often applied to groups that share similar features known as homoplasies, which are explained as a result of converg ...

Identification and morphology

''Arthrorhabdus'' species bear several morphological similarities to those of the genus Cormocephalus: their spiracles, eyes, and mouthparts are the same. It also resembles members of the genera ''

Scolopendra ''Scolopendra'' (through Latin from Greek , ''skolopendra'') is a species-rich genus of large tropical centipedes of the family Scolopendridae. Description The genus ''Scolopendra'' contains many species of centipedes found across the worl ...

'' and ''

Asanada ''Asanada'' is a genus of centipedes in the subfamily Scolopendrinae. It has thirteen known species, which usually grow between in length. It can be distinguished from the genus ''Cormocephalus'' (= ''Cupipes'') by having smooth (as opposed to ...

'', but can be differentiated from other genera by a variety of characteristics, specifically the head not overlapping the first tergite, additionally from ''Scolopendra'' by the shape of the mouthparts and spiracles, and further from ''Cormocephalus'' by morphological features on the legs. ''Arthrorhabdus'' species have between 18 and 26

antennomeres Antennae ( antenna), sometimes referred to as "feelers", are paired appendages used for Sensory system, sensing in arthropods. Antennae are connected to the first one or two Segmentation (biology), segments of the arthropod head. They vary widel ...

(antennae segments).

Species

''Arthrorhabdus formosus''

''Arthrorhabdus formosus'' is found in South Africa. It is "olivaceaous" in colour, sometimes "rufescent posteriorly", as described by Pocock, with blue-green antennae.

''Arthrorhabdus mjöbergi''

''Arthrorhabdus mjöbergi'' is widespread in Australia. It was collected by Eric Georg Mjöberg.

''Arthrorhabdus paucispinus''

''Arthrorhabdus paucispinus'' is found in all Australian territories exept Tasmania.

''Arthrorhabdus pygmaeus''

''Arthrorhabdus pygmaeus'' is found in the Southern United States, Mexico, and possibly Belize.

Taxonomic history

1891: Genus described by Reginald Innes Pocock, with one species (''A. formosus).'
Notes on the Syonymy of some Species of ''Scolopendridæ,'' with Descriptions of new Genera and Species of the Group
2004: ''A. spinifer'' moved to genus ''Rhoda'' by Rowland M. Shelley and Amazonas Chagas Junior
THE CENTIPEDE GENUS ARTHRORHABDUS POCOCK, 1891, IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE: POTENTIAL OCCURRENCE OF A. PYGMAEUS (POCOCK, 1895) IN BELIZE
2010: Reappraisal by John G. E. Lewis removes ''A. jonesii'' and ''A. somalus'' from the genus, renaming the latter ''Scolopendra somala
A key and annotated list of the Scolopendra species of the Old World with a reappraisal of Arthrorhabdus
'

References

__FORCETOC__ {{Taxonbar, from=Q10418780 Scolopendridae Animals described in 1907 Arthropods of Mexico Arthropods of the United States Centipede genera