Habitat preference of genus Scolopendra (Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae) from Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The genus Scolopendra (Class: Chilopoda, Order: Scolopendromorpha) comprises large, predatory centipedes whose distribution is closely tied to microhabitat humidity and temperature. The varied ecological niches occupied by common Scolopendra species were examined in the Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara districts of Maharashtra from July 2024 to June 2025. The districts geography ranging from the high rainfall region to the drier region a mosaic of habitats, resulting in species-specific adaptation to forest floors, agricultural lands, grasslands, and peridomestic environments. Species like Scolopendra morsitans and Scolopendra polymorpha show high adaptation across these niches, while others, such as Scolopendra hardwickei, Scolopendra subspinipes, Scolopendra elloresis, and Scolopendra jangi, adapt specifically to cool, moist forest environments.