Allothereua maculata


Allothereua maculata is a species of centipedes found in Australia known as the house centipede – a name applied elsewhere to other species.

Description

The body of Allothereua maculata is made up of 15 segments and bears 15 pairs of long legs. The body is pale brown with dark markings, and grows to long. It bears one pair of antennae on the head and a similarly long pair of caudal appendages at the tail end.

Distribution

Allothereua maculata is the most common scutigeromorph centipede across southern Australia, occurring from Western Australia to Queensland.

Ecology

Allothereua maculata lives in urban areas and woodland. Its occurrence in houses indicates dampness and a lack of ventilation. A. maculata is a predator of insects and other arthropods, but is generally considered harmless.