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Survey of the Centipedes (Chilopoda) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Published by National Park Service | Department of the Interior | Metadata Last Checked: January 07, 2026 | Last Modified: 2016-10-11T00:00:00Z
"PI seeks to complete a checklist of the centipede species found in the park. Centipedes are important animals in forest ecosystems, as they are top predators in soil invertebrate communities, communities which are critical for the processing of leaf litter and other organic detritus into soil. Centipedes are also important as prey for many small vertebrates such as toads, and possess a complex and poorly understood venom that may have medical applications. Twenty-two new species were detected within the park, including a species previously known only from two locations in western Virginia. This brings the park total to 59 species, though some old records may be misidentifications."

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