Proasellus meridianus (Racovitza, 1919)

Common name

One-spotted Waterlouse
One-spotted Water-slater

Synonyms

Asellus meridianus Racovitza, 1919

Status

GB IUCN status: Least Concern

Identification

This species can usually by distinguished from Asellus aquaticus by the continuous pale band along the posterior margin of the head.  However, care is needed since the two species are frequently confused. The shape of the male first pereopod is diagnostic.

Keith Lugg

Distribution and Habitat

P. meridianus occurs throughout the British Isles, but in many areas it is much less frequently recorded than A. aquaticus.

Although found in similar places to A. aquaticus, it is rarely found in garden ponds, and is much less tolerant of pollution.

Distribution

Reference

Gregory, S. (2009) Woodlice and Waterlice (Isopoda: Oniscidea & Asellota) in Britain and Ireland.  Field Studies Council/Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

idBmigTaxa

91

BRC Code

Cru_1640