[2] The species is found mainly in Europe and North America, as well as the Hawaiian Islands.

Like most lithobiids, it is found in the upper layers of soil, particularly under rocks and rotting logs.

[3] It can be fairly easily identified by its reaction to being revealed, which is to run extremely quickly for cover.

It is a predator, and its main diet consists of insects and invertebrates, including spiders, slugs, worms and flies.

It has specially-adapted front legs which have evolved to resemble 'fangs' and they contain venom that allows the centipede to overpower its prey.