omphax

Omphax is a genus of small, predatory centipedes belonging to the order Lithobiomorpha. These centipedes are characterized by their elongated bodies, composed of numerous segments, each bearing a pair of legs. Omphax species are typically found in soil, leaf litter, and other damp, dark environments. They are nocturnal hunters, feeding on small invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and other arthropods. Their venomous bite is used to immobilize prey. The genus Omphax is distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with some species also found in the Australasian realm. Distinguishing features among species often involve the number and arrangement of spines on their legs and their posterior appendages, known as forcipules. Research into Omphax is ongoing, with scientists working to understand their ecological roles and evolutionary relationships within the wider centipede family tree.