Chaetophiloscia elongata (Dollfus, 1884)

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Status:

GB IUCN status: Not applicable (non-native)

 

ID Difficulty

3

Identification

Chaetophiloscia species are typically mottled brown, with a strongly stepped body outline, thus resembling a relatively slender Philoscia muscorum. 

Chaetophiloscia elongata is not included in the current identification guides (AIDGAP & Linnean Synopsis) and (due to the rounded telson) will likely key towards Halophiloscia couchii or Stenophiloscia glarearum.  The pigment pattern of the epimera is diagnostic (see image to left). A brief description with figures is given by Musgrove & Wilson (2025).  

Thomas Iwasyszyn
Andy Musgrove
Andy Musgrove

Distribution and Habitat

Between March and September 2024 many specimens were encountered along the southern edge of the Isle of Sheppey, East Kent   (Musgrove & Wilson, 2025). These were found among tidal litter at the interface between saltmarsh and the seawall above. 

Of the three European species, C. elongata reaches the French coasts of the English Channel (‘Le Manche’) and is often associated with human activity (Noël & Séchet, 2007). Thus its occurrence in Britain, is not unexpected. However, in recent years two additional species, C. cellaria and C. sicula, also have been recorded from Britain. 

References

Musgrove, A. & Wilson, R. (2025) Chaetophiloscia elongata (Dollfus, 1884) (Isopoda: Oniscidea: Philosciidae): a woodlouse new to Britain. Bulletin of the British Myriapod and Isopod Group, 37: 1-6. 

Noël, F & Séchet, E. (2007) Crustacés Isopodes terrestres du Nord-Ouest de la France: clé de détermination et références bibliographiques. Invertébrés Armoricains, 2: 1-48. 

Links

World List of Marine, Freshwater and Terrestrial Isopod Crustaceans: https://www.marinespecies.org/isopoda/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=264457

BRC code

76

idBmigTaxa

Cru_2675