Tuoba (centipede)

Centipedes in this genus feature short forcipules with a denticle at the base of each tarsungulum, anterior trunk metasternites with an anterior medial socket and a posterior transverse band of pores, and leg claws with an especially elongate basal spine; the coxal organs open into a single ventral pit on each coxopleuron.^[3] These centipedes range from about 2 cm to about 5 cm in length and have 39 to 73 pairs of legs.^[3] The Japanese species Tuoba japonicus, with 41 to 51 leg pairs in each sex, is notable for its small size, reaching a maximum length of only 17 mm.^[4] The species T. sydneyensis can reach 32 mm in length but can also have as few as 39 leg pairs,^[5] the minimum number recorded in this genus.^[3] The species T. xylophaga, found in New Zealand, is notable for its large size (reaching 45 mm in length) and its many legs (from 57 to 67 pairs).^[5] An undescribed species of Tuoba discovered on Prime Seal Island has 73 leg pairs,^[6] the maximum number recorded in this genus.^[3]

Valid species:^[2]