Woodlouse mystery Armadillidium depressum

brianholland · #1 (**permalink**) 18-11-2009, 03:14 PM

Spotted these two beneath a piece of loose bark on a Maple tree in Burgundy late last month.
They seem to have a different pattern of marking from those that I see in my garden .

Can anyone offer some suggestions regarding identification please. I have stabbed at the Latin name.

Jason Claxton · #2 (**permalink**) 18-11-2009, 03:36 PM

Not Armadillidium sp,the Uropods are the wrong shape.I'm thinking that it is Porcellio spinicoris,but from Burgundy I dont know,in Britain this is associated with limestone walls /mortar.I think I can see two segments only to the antennal flagellum,which if I'm seeing right would rule out Oniscus asellus.

brianholland · #3 (**permalink**) 18-11-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Claxton

Not Armadillidium sp,the Uropods are the wrong shape.I'm thinking that it is Porcellio spinicoris,but from Burgundy I dont know,in Britain this is associated with limestone walls /mortar.I think I can see two segments only to the antennal flagellum,which if I'm seeing right would rule out Oniscus asellus.

Thank you Jason for such a full helpful response

I have noted your suggestion.

There is a lot of granite in the area where these were photographed if that helps.

Again thank you,
Brian.

tristanba · #4 (**permalink**) 18-11-2009, 03:51 PM

I agree with Jason, but as he says, we are both using a British Key.

brianholland · #5 (**permalink**) 18-11-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tristanba

I agree with Jason, but as he says, we are both using a British Key.

It is noce to have confirmation.
Thank you for taking the trouble to preply.

Jason Claxton · #6 (**permalink**) 18-11-2009, 04:11 PM

You're welcome Brian , note that I put P.spinicoris instead of P.spinicornis.A good book for these is a :-A Key to the Woodlice of Britain and Ireland by Stephen Hopkins,also not any good to you in Burgundy,but is of course very useful here.

brianholland · #7 (**permalink**) 18-11-2009, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Claxton

You're welcome Brian , note that I put P.spinicoris instead of P.spinicornis.A good book for these is a :-A Key to the Woodlice of Britain and Ireland by Stephen Hopkins,also not any good to you in Burgundy,but is of course very useful here.

Jason as you can see from the profile we live in Ipswich but were on holiday last month in Burgundy.

It is great to know that you happily share your extensive knowledge and appear to have great patience with novices like my wife and I.

Regards,

Brian.