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Geophilidae

Geophilidae

9.9
A family of small, very long centipedes that live in soil and burrow
  • noun
  • /ˌdʒiːoʊˈfɪlɪdiː/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Geofilidae
  • Members of the Geophilidae family are often found burrowing deep within garden soil.

Examples

  • Many Geophilidae have bodies adapted to squeezing through narrow spaces underground.

  • The scientist specialized in classifying various species of Geophilidae from around the world.

  • Look at this Geophilidae!

  • A Geophilidae is hiding in the soil.

  • Many species of Geophilidae thrive in moist soil, where they can easily hunt for small insects.

  • The Geophilidae family of centipedes is known for its long, slender bodies that help them navigate through tight underground spaces.

  • In her research, she discovered that Geophilidae play a crucial role in the ecosystem by aerating the soil.

Surface Forms

Geophilidae singular
Geophilidae plural

Morphology

Geophilidae = Geophilus (opaque) = Geophilus + idae

Formation of a zoological family name from a genus by adding the regular taxonomic suffix '-idae' is a regular morphological process.

Etymology

Geophilidae comes from the Greek parts geo- meaning 'earth' and phil- meaning 'love', with the ending -idae that marks an animal 'family'. So Geophilidae are 'earth-loving' animals — centipedes that live and burrow in soil.