Any woodlouse experts ?

Lord V · #1 (**permalink**) 16-10-2007, 07:58 PM

I know it's a crustacean but well it's buggy

Any ideas on this nearly colourful wooodlouse ?- about 8mm body length munching around in leaf litter on my garden path.
Thanks
Brian V.

Picture linked with permission

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 16-10-2007, 08:14 PM

There is a great key here

Google Image Result for http://www.field-studies-council.org/images/publications/readmore/204.jpg

There are about 35 different species in the UK. I have seen our commonest woodlouse Porcellio scaber this colour before but could be one of the many species i havent seen.

C C · #3 (**permalink**) 16-10-2007, 08:26 PM

I agree it looks right for Porcellio scaber, Porcellio dilatatus would be more broad. And Trachelipus rathkei would have its segments more curved. Though a look at its underneath would clinch the id.

Lord V · #4 (**permalink**) 16-10-2007, 08:49 PM

Thanks for the help- didn't realise there could be so much colour variation in these - most of the woodlice around it were just the normal plain grey colour.

Brian V.

Acutipuerilis · #5 (**permalink**) 16-10-2007, 10:50 PM

I thinik a lot of the colouring depends on how recently it's moulted, Brian - these paler forms having shed quite recently, and you've got them before they acquire their normalness.

goosey · #6 (**permalink**) 17-10-2007, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord V

Thanks for the help- didn't realise there could be so much colour variation in these - most of the woodlice around it were just the normal plain grey colour.

Brian V.

I have noticed an increase in blue-ish purple ones recently, A Starling disturbed some stones the other day and ther were alot under there although some looked dead, but there again they could have been dazed.

goosey · #7 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acutipuerilis

I thinik a lot of the colouring depends on how recently it's moulted, Brian - these paler forms having shed quite recently, and you've got them before they acquire their normalness.

Quote:

Originally Posted by goosey

I have noticed an increase in blue-ish purple ones recently, A Starling disturbed some stones the other day and ther were alot under there although some looked dead, but there again they could have been dazed.

I decided to go and have a look for some to back up my post from yesterday. The photo isn't very good I am afraid, it was rather small about 7mm and wouldn't stay still

. Is is just a normal woodlouse, before or after it has moulted? Thanks for any info.

C C · #8 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 08:38 AM

Is there a compost or dung heap-near to where you found this. Its looks similar to Pocellionides pruinosus. They have a plum like bloom, and its Pleon(back end) looks stepped out. Could be wrong, but it looks different.

goosey · #9 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C C

Is there a compost or dung heap-near to where you found this. Its looks similar to Pocellionides pruinosus. They have a plum like bloom, and its Pleon(back end) looks stepped out. Could be wrong, but it looks different.

Hi CC, no there is no dung or compost heap, I have a tiny glorified yard which I have made as wildlife friendly as poss'. These are mainly found around the stones + logpile, the one in the photo was actually under a some ivyleaf toadflax which is spreading across the path where moss has grown. Now you have given me something to go on I will have a look - thanks.

C C · #10 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 09:16 AM

The species i have mentioned has prominent white legs, They stand out slightly similar to the Common Striped Woodlouse. I could be barking up the wrong tree here.
Also, check if it for five pairs of lungs underneath, they will be on the Pleon, and would stand out white, making this Trachelipus rathkei.
If none of the above, then its plain old Common Rough. Woodlice can vary in colour forms, making some of them slighty tricky.

P.S I am by no means an Expert. Just a casual recorder.