Diversity of centipedes (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha and Scutigeromorpha) in Xuan Nha Nature Reserve, Son La province, Vietnam

Abstract

This study on centipedes (Scolopendromorpha and Scutigeromorpha) was conducted in Xuan Nha Nature Reserve, Son La province in June and November 2018. A total of 47 specimens were collected from four types of habitats: broadleaf forest, broadleaf - bamboo mixed forest, bamboo forests, and residential - agricultural land. Data analysis results showed that a total of 14 species and subspecies was recorded in the study region. Of which, the order Scolopendromorpha has 12 recorded species and subspecies belonging to four genera (Cryptops, Paracryptops, Otostigmus,and Scolopendra), two families (Cryptopidae and Scolopendridae). The order Scutigeromorpha has only two species belonging to two genera (Thereuopoda and Thereuonema) and one family (Scutigeridae). All habitats has medium diversity of centipedes (1.00 < H’ < 3.00). Broadleaf forest has the highest diversity (H' = 2.11), lower in mixed forest (H’ = 1.97) and bamboo forest (H’ = 1.61), residential - agricultural land has the lowest diversity (H’ = 1.01). The highest density is in mixed forest (1.2 individuals/m2), followed by broadleaf forest (0.8 individuals/m2), and bamboo forest (0.20 individuals/m2). Those are the first data of centipedes in Xuan Nha Nature Reserve.

Keywords

• Scolopendromorpha
• Scutigeromorpha
• Chilopoda
• Xuan Nha Nature Reserve
• Viet Nam