Trichoniscus provisorius Racovitza, 1908
Common name
Synonyms
Trichoniscus pusillus ssp. provisorius Racovitza, 1908
Status
ID Difficulty
Identification
This species is morphologically identical to T. pusillus sensu stricto, but is relatively smaller (gravid females rarely exceed 3.5 mm in length). It is a normal sexually reproducing species, with populations comprising approximately 50/50 male and females.
Males are readily recognised by microscopic examination of the first exopod ~ see image (right) and BMIG Newsletter 18, pg2.
Distribution and Habitat
This is probably a very common throughout Britain and Ireland but unfortunately most records are not differentiated between the two species (simply given as T. pusillus agg.). Verified records (based on male specimens) indicate a wide distribution throughout Britain and Ireland, but it seems more common in areas where calcareous strata occur.
It favours sunnier and/or drier situations than Trichoniscus pusillus s.str., including semi-natural limestone grassland, free-draining woodland and domestic gardens, where it can be found under stones, dead wood, etc.
This summary is based on the detailed account in Gregory (2009).
Distribution
Reference
Gregory, S. (2009) Distinguishing species within the Trichoniscus pusillus species aggregate, BMIG Newsletter 18: pg 2.
Gregory, S. (2009) Woodlice and Waterlice (Isopoda: Oniscidea & Asellota) in Britain and Ireland. Field Studies Council/Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.