This is a comprehensive account of centipede biology providing a critical review of the work covering anatomy, behaviour, reproduction and life history, predators and parasites, physiology, ecology and taxonomy. It is an important source-book of particular value to scientists working directly with this group and to soil ecologists and those more generally interested in arthropods, arthropod affinities and their evolution. This is a book from an internationally respected scientist and includes many first-hand accounts of his own work both on temperate and tropical species.

'…the beginner and even the advanced student of centipedes may be well advised to purchase this successful introduction. … More than 560 citations are included, which cover not only English-written studies, but also many written in German, French etc. Thus, the booklet helps the reader not familiar with these languages to learn about valuable results of articles going back to the century before last…'

Hartmut Greven - Heinrich-Heine-Universitat-Dusseldorf