Ommatoiulus moreleti (Lucas, 1860)
Common name
Portugese Black Millipede
Status:
Unknown, probably introduced.
ID Difficulty
Identification
Ommatoiulus moreleti is a distinctive robust millipede up to 40 mm in length, typically darkly pigmented with with pink legs and antennae and a projecting pointed telson. Immatures are paler in colour, often with a hint of longitudinal stripes.
A brief description, with figures, is given by Gregory, Owen, Jones & Williams (2018).
Distribution and Habitat
Discovered in April 2017 at a woodland in Glamorganshire, south Wales (Gregory, Owen, Jones & Williams, 2018). Subsequently, it has been found at a few additional 'ex-colliery' sites in the area.
Subsequently a specimen was collected from a garden centre in Co. Fermanagh, Ireland (BMIG Newsletter 47, pg 12) suggesting that it may be spread further afield via the horticultural trade.
References
Gregory, S.J., Owen, C., Jones, G. & Williams, E. (2018) Ommatoiulus moreleti (Lucas, 1860) and Cylindroiulus pyrenaicus (Brölemann, 1897) new for the UK (Diplopoda, Julida: Julidae). Bulletin of the British Myriapod & Isopod Group 30: 48-60.
Links
MilliBase - Global catalogue of Millipedes: https://millibase.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=394570
BRC code
65