Scutigerella immaculata

Symphylans

(Garden centipedes)

The symphylans (Scutigerella immaculata), also known as garden centipedes, are myriapods, characterised by the presence of many pairs of legs (up to 12 pairs in their last stage of development). Adults are small, 5 to 8 mm long, elongated creatures, with a brilliant white translucent colour on their soft-shelled body. They have two long segmented antennae (photo 1).

In case of large populations of symphylans, significant damage may be observed in the field, usually localised in foci (photo 2) in which reduced plant growth, or even losses on plant emergence, can be seen. Failure to emerge or limited foliage growth may be related to a reduced root system, caused by symphylan bites (photo 3). In some cases, the tubers may be gnawed.

Symphylans can also cause damage to other crops, such as beetroot or maize. Their development is favoured by light and organic soils, a temperate climate and simplified soil cultivation methods. An infected soil may remain contaminated for a long time, as the adults may live for several years. Eggs cannot be laid below 10°C from spring (the optimum laying time) until autumn, when a second generation may occur.