These voracious, venomous predators of the night are seldom seen and even more infrequently in pairs, but what can be said of the affairs of the Scutigeromorph heart?
Well first of all, they have a series of trachea originating at dorsal openings that channel oxygen into the pericardium. They also have a single dorsal heart which pumps oxygenated blood about the tissues of their relatively large and active architecture.
Generally, arthropods have open circulatory systems within which circulating fluid (haemolymph) passes directly through tissues, but in the scutigeromorph, a more complex distribution system is controlled by cardioarterial valves. Also, large respiratory copper proteins, called haemocyanins carry oxygen through the haemolymph.
Socially, the two individuals photographed were engaged in a repertoire with what appeared to be a greater enthusiasm on the part of the larger male. Reproduction is most probably via indirect sperm transfer. Male scutigeromorphs strategically deposit a sperm droplet and then encourage the female to this location through behavioural ritual. The female receives the droplet directly through the genital opening.
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD has worked in industry and government. She is currently researching a novel technique for long-range weather forecasting funded by the B. Macfie Family Foundation.