Armadillidium_depressum

<i>Armadillidium depressum</i>

Armadillidium depressum

Species of woodlouse

Armadillidium depressum, the southern pill woodlouse[5] is a large, relatively common British species of woodlouse characterized by its "splayed" appearance.

Quick Facts Armadillidium depressum, Scientific classification ...

Description

Armadillidium depressum may reach a length of 20 millimetres (0.71 in) compared to 18 millimetres for Armadillidium vulgare, and is capable of rolling into a ball when disturbed. Like Armadillidium nasatum, it can be distinguished from Armadillidium vulgare by the gap it leaves when enrolled, instead of completely enclosing.[2][6] Another distinguishing feature is that its pleon curve outwards, causing a splayed appearance. Otherwise, the appearance of A. depressum is very similar to A. vulgare in dark grey to black color.[2][5]

Armadillidium depressum maximum length is 20 millimetres, compared to A. vulgare 18 millimetres.[2]

Ecology

Like other woodlice, Armadillidium depressum feeds on dead plant matter, and lives for 3 years.[5] A. depressum can be seen all year long.[5]

Distribution

The majority of specimens of Armadillidium depressum are concentrated in southwest Britain, near the English Channel, but small populations also occur in various towns scattered throughout England.[2] It is a synanthropic species, living on walls and under stones in towns and old houses.[2][5]C

References

  1. [1]
    "Armadillidium depressum Brandt, 1833". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  2. [2]
    Armadillidium depressum Brandt, 1833
  3. [3]
    "Discover | Natural History Museum". Archived from the original on 3 August 2012.
  4. [4]
    Helmut Schmalfuss (2003). "World catalog of terrestrial isopods (Isopoda: Oniscidea) — revised and updated version" (PDF). Stuttgarter Beiträge zur Naturkunde, Serie A. 654: 341 pp. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-02-24. Retrieved 2015-08-02.
  5. [5]
    Southern Pill Woodlouse
  6. [6]
    "Armadillidium depressum".


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