Scolopendrellopsis arvernorum (Ribaut, 1931)
Synonyms
- Symphyllelopsis arvernorum Ribaut, 1931
- Symphyllelopsis avernorum Ribaut, 1931
Status:
Quite common
ID Difficulty
Identification
Currently just two species of Scolopendrellopsis are known to occur in Britain or Ireland. These were formerly placed in the genus Symphyllelopsis (e.g. in the key by Edwards, 1959).
The genus is recognised by having 21 or 22 poorly defined dorsal scuta, the first relatively well-developed. The cerci are short with long conical terminal area. [Other genera in family Scolopendrellidae have just 17 dorsal scuta, the first represented only by setae; cerci long with small expanded terminal area].
Scolopendrellopsis arvernorum is a small species some 1.8 to 2.4 mm in length. The third pair of legs corresponds with a double dorsal scutum. The posterior projections of scuta are broader and about the same distance apart as their length. The first scutum is relatively longer compared to that of S. subnuda.
Distribution and Habitat
It is probably quite common but can be easily overlooked because of its small size.
This is very slow moving species found within soil, typically at low densities (compared to other Symphylans).
References
Edwards, C.A. (1959). A revision of the British Symphyla. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 132: 403-439.
Hopkin, S.P. & Roberts, A.W. (1988). Symphyla – the least studied of the most interesting soil animals. Bulletin of the British Myriapod Group 5: 28-34.
Links
MilliBase - Global catalogue of Symphylans: https://millibase.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=1006501
BRC code
131