in zoology, a genus of insects belonging to the order of apterae. The feet are very numerous, being as many on each side as there are joints in the body; the antennae are fetaceous; there are two jointed pappi, and the body is depressed.—These insects are very formidable and noxious in the warm countries, where they grow to the length of a quarter of a yard or more, though in this climate they seldom grow above an inch long. The scolopendra is also called the centipede from its number of feet. In the east Indies it grows to six inches in length, and as thick as a man's finger; it consists of many joints; and from each joint proceeds a leg on each side; they are covered with hair, and seem to have no eyes; but there are two feelers on the head, with which they find out the way they are to pass; the head is very round, with two small sharp teeth, with which they inflict wounds that are very painful and dangerous. A sailor that was hit by one on board a ship felt excruciating pain, and his life was supposed to be in danger; but by the application of roasted onions to the part, he recovered. The bite of the scolopendra myriapoda† in Jamaica is said to be as poisonous as the sting of a scorpion. Some of the species live in holes in the earth; others under stones, and among rotten wood; so that the removing of these is exceedingly dangerous in the countries where the scolopendrid breed.—These insects, like the scorpion, are supposed to be produced perfect from the parent or the egg, and to undergo no changes after their first exclusion. They are found of all sizes; which is a sufficient reason for believing that they preserve their first appearance through the whole of their existence. It is probable, however, that, like most of this class, they often change their skins; but of this we have no certain information.