Can montane and cave centipedes inhabit soil?

Abstract

Communities of centipedes (Chilopoda) were studied at three localities in eastern Bohemia (Czech Republic) near the townof Skuteč using modified subterranean traps. Centipedes were trapped separately from depths of 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, and95 cm to allow evaluation of the vertical distribution in the soil. Presence of centipedes in deeper soil profiles is related to their abilityto colonize the subterranean environment.Lithobius tenebrosus fennoscandius ,L. lucifugus ,L. macilentus ,Cryptops parisi ,Strigamiaacuminata , andS. transsilvanicainhabited deeper soil layers preferentially. This study shows that soil can be inhabited by cave centipedesor centipedes with montane distribution.