Proasellus cavaticus (Leydig, 1871)
Synonyms
Status
ID Difficulty
Identification
This species is distinguished from other British Asellids by entirely lacking eyes and pigmentation. However, care is needed since some underground populations of Asellus aquaticus may entirely lack pigmentation. The shape of the male first pereopod is diagnostic.
Distribution and Habitat
P. cavaticus is unique among British Isopods in being a specialist stygobite (i.e. entirely associated with subterranean aquatic habitats). It appears to be restricted to southern areas, with the majority of records from carboniferous limestone cave systems in the Mendip Hills and South Wales.
It is typically recorded from underground streams, pools and wet surfaces in limestone caves and mines, where it tends to occur in small numbers in water films covering flowstones, within small seepages or in shallow pools.
Distribution
Reference
Gregory, S. (2009) Woodlice and Waterlice (Isopoda: Oniscidea & Asellota) in Britain and Ireland. Field Studies Council/Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.