Scolopendra cingulata

About: Scolopendra cingulata is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 26 publications have been published within this topic receiving 154 citations.

The evolutionary history of the Mediterranean centipede Scolopendra cingulata (Latreille, 1829) (Chilopoda: Scolopendridae) across the Aegean archipelago

Abstract: In this study we investigate the evolutionary relationships of Scolopendra cingulata (Latreille, 1829) within insular Greece. Our main goal is to infer the time frame of the differentiation of the species in the study area. In this regard, sequence data originating from three mitochondrial genes are used to reconstruct the evolutionary history of 47 insular populations of S. cingulata from the Aegean archipelago. Within the phylogenetic framework and by implementing a relaxed molecular clock methodology, we infer the time estimates of separations of the S. cingulata lineages. The results of the phylogenetic analysis support the presence of three distinct S. cingulata groups in the region. The first group accommodates populations from the eastern Aegean islands, and is closely related to the second group that hosts mainly populations of northern and central Cyclades. The third group is composed of insular populations originating from southern Cyclades. Different temporal splitting scenarios have been evaluated. Based on the scenario strongly supported by the data, we propose a biogeographical scenario that could account for the contemporary distribution of the species' lineages. The splitting events of S. cingulata are estimated to have occurred within the late Miocene. The historical events of the last 13.77 Myr have shaped, through a series of mostly vicariant and dispersal incidents, the present-day biogeographical pattern of the species. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 105, 507–521.

The fine structure of the midgut epithelium in a centipede, Scolopendra cingulata (Chilopoda, Scolopendridae), with the special emphasis on epithelial regeneration.

Abstract: Scolopendra cingulata has a tube-shaped digestive system that is divided into three distinct regions: fore-, mid- and hindgut. The midgut is lined with a pseudostratified columnar epithelium which is composed of digestive, secretory and regenerative cells. Hemocytes also appear between the digestive cells of the midgut epithelium. The ultrastructure of three types of epithelial cells and hemocytes of the midgut has been described with the special emphasis on the role of regenerative cells in the protection of midgut epithelium. The process of midgut epithelium regeneration proceeds due to the ability of regenerative cells to proliferate and differentiate according to a circadian rhythm. The regenerative cells serve as unipotent stem cells that divide in an asymmetric manner. Additionally, two types of hemocytes have been distinguished among midgut epithelial cells. They enter the midgut epithelium from the body cavity. Because of the fact that numerous microorganisms occur in the cytoplasm of midgut epithelial cells, we discuss the role of hemocytes in elimination of pathogens from the midgut epithelium. The studies were conducted with the use of transmission electron microscope and immunofluorescent methods.

Antibacterial activity in the hemolymph of myriapods (Arthropoda).

Abstract: The hemolymphs of two diplopod ( Chicobolus sp. and Rhapidostreptus virgator ) and two chilopod species ( Lithobius forficatus and Scolopendra cingulata ) were tested for the presence of antibacterial substances using Petri dish tests. The native hemolymph of all species had substances acting on living Micrococcus luteus , whereas only Rhapidostreptus, Scolopendra , and Lithobius were effective against lyophilized Micrococcus . The antibacterial activity against living Micrococcus increased after inoculation with bacteria ( Enterobacter cloacae β-12) in Chicobolus and Rhapidostreptus and also against lyophilized Micrococcus in the latter. Thus, these effects appear to be inducible. None of the myriapods tested had any bacteriostatic effect on Escherichia coli D-31 whereas the growth of gram-negative E. cloacae was inhibited. The antibacterial substances in the diplopod species were unstable when heated but were resistent to freezing. At least two antibacterial substances (a lysozyme-like one and another substance) are considered to occur in Myriapoda.

Two fangs good, a hundred legs better: juvenile viper devoured by an adult centipede it had ingested

Abstract: On May 14th 2013, on the island of Golem Grad (Prespa Lake, FYR of Macedonia) a juvenile female nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) was found dead, with head of a Scolopendra cingulata protruding through the body wall of its lower abdomen. The authors discuss the possibility that the snake had swallowed the centipede alive, and that, paradoxically, the prey has eaten its way through the snake, almost reaching its freedom.

Possible species isolation mechanisms in some scolopendrid centipedes (Chilopoda; Scolopendridae)

Abstract: Secondary sexual characters in centipedes are briefly discussed and it is suggested that the spines on the prefemora of the last pair of legs in some scolopendrids are used in specific discrimination prior to mating. The hypothesis is discussed with reference to Scolopendra spp. of the eastern Mediterranean, north-east Africa and Arabia. Where species of Scolopendra with virtually identical spinulation on the last legs are sympatric, a large size difference exists between them. It is suggested that in some genera where the prefemoral spines are absent, speciation may have been inhibited. In the genus Otostigmus where spines may be absent or spine patterns are very similar in a number of species other secondary sexual characters have developed.