Androniscus dentiger

CRUSTACEA > MALACOSTRACA > ISOPODA > Oniscidea > Synocheta > Trichonisidae

Rather variable in respect of colour, including pale pink individuals which may be encountered in dark environments such as caves or tunnels, this distinctive pygmy species is more typically salmon-pink or bright orange to deep rose-red. They have a pair of longitudinal yellow bands that run down the back which flare out across the final pereonite, but any impression of a dark-coloured median stripe is misleading as it's simply the gut contents showing through the thin cuticle. The body outline is stepped with the surface covered in tiny coarse tubercles.

Adults grow to 6mm long and, like all trichonisids, have antennae where the final flagellum comprises a tapered cone bearing a terminal brush. The eyes consist of a single large black ocellus.

Androniscus dentiger favours hard rough places including coastal sites such as sparsely vegetated shingle, stony beaches and erosion banks, to disused quarries, or rocky inland areas with scree slopes or gravelly and stony stream beds; but also synanthropic sites where there are old stone structures like churches or farm buildings with loose mortared joints, waste ground or any area where there are piles of old bricks or rubble. In most of these habitats it's best to look for them on the underside of large stones or amongst rocks and rubble in damp places.

From a personal point of view, I'd become a little frustrated that I'd not been able to find this particular species nearer to home because I hadn't found the right type of habitat, which is why I was really pleased to spot this nicely coloured specimen during one of my woodlice-targeted visits to Portland where there are a large number of suitable sites to explore.

New species added, Sept.26 (v.1)