Ophyiulus germanicus (Verhoeff, 1896)

Status

Unknown. Probably introduced.

Identification

This recently discovered millipede is very similar in appearence to Ophyiulus pilosus, but much larger in size. It could be confused with other species that have a pointed projecting telson, such as Julus scandinavius, Haplopodoiulus spathifer or even Tachypodoiulus niger, but the male's sickle shaped first pair of legs is typical of Ophyiulus spp. (see image to right).
 
A description, with figures, is given by Gregory (2018).
Keith Lugg
Keith Lugg
Keith Lugg
Steve Gregory
Steve Gregory

Distribution and Habitat

A male and female were collected in November 2015 from a Local Wildlife Site in Oxford city, with additional specimens collected the following spring (Gregory, 2018).

Subsequently, it has been recorded from Northern Ireland (where it has proved to be widespread), the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands. At these sites it was found to be associated with the Laboulbeniales fungus Troglomyces rossii (Telfer, 2020).

Reference

Gregory, S.J. (2018) A millipede new for the UK: Ophyiulus germanicus (Verhoeff, 1896) from Oxford (Diplopoda, Julida: Julidae).  Bulletin of the British Myriapod & Isopod Group 30: 61-67.

idBmigTaxa

65