The population structure of stone centipedes (Lithobiomorpha) on a landscape profile in the Transural forest-steppe

The biotopic distribution, abundance, spatial and sex-age structures of stone centipede population are described on a landscape profile in the Transural steppe-forest zone. Two species, Lithobius curtipes and Lamyctes emarginatus, were found, the former species inhabiting most of the communities, and the latter, only periodically flooded sites. The density of centipedes varied from 2.4 to 4.0 ind./m² in the steppe and from 4.8 to 52.8 ind./m² in the forest communities. In mid-summer, juveniles comprised no less than 50% of the population, the epimorph stages being the most abundant. The populations of L. curtipes were characterized by a mosaic distribution and prevalence of males over females.