In Japan and Taiwan, five species were known until now: Scolopendra morsitans, S. subspinipes, S. mutilans, S. japonica, and S. multidens. Named Scolopendra alcyona, the newly-discovered species can be found in the forests of Taiwan and Japan’s Ryukyu Archipelago. It exhibits amphibious behavior, making it only the third amphibious Scolopendra species in the world. “Scolopendra alcyona is most likely endangered, and currently inhabits forest streams where people do not go,” the scientists said. A new amphibious species of the genus Scolopendra Linnaeus, 1758 (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae) from the Ryukyu Archipelago and Taiwan.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 22, 2021 19:52 UTC