Affairs of the Scutigeromorph Heart
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 (hemolymph) passes directly through tissues, but in the scutigeromorph, a more complex distribution system is controlled by cardioarterial valves. Also, large respiratory copper proteins, called hemocyanins carry oxygen through the hemolymph.
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.