| Armadillidium depressum | |
|---|---|
| | |
| Armadillidium depressum specimen photographed in Oxford, UK. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Isopoda |
| Suborder: | Oniscidea |
| Family: | Armadillidiidae |
| Genus: | Armadillidium |
| Species: | A. depressum |
| Binomial name | |
| Armadillidium depressum | |
| | |
| Range [2] [3] | |
| Synonyms [4] | |
Armadillidium gerstaeckeriArmadillidium virescens | |
Armadillidium depressum, the southern pill woodlouse [5] is a large, relatively common British species of woodlouse characterized by its "splayed" appearance.
Armadillidium depressum may reach a length of 20 millimetres (0.71 in) compared to 18 millimetres for Armadillidium vulgare , and is capable of rolling into a ball when disturbed. Like Armadillidium nasatum , it can be distinguished from Armadillidium vulgare by the gap it leaves when enrolled, instead of completely enclosing. [2] [6] Another distinguishing feature is that its pleon curve outwards, causing a splayed appearance. Otherwise, the appearance of A. depressum is very similar to A. vulgare in dark grey to black color. [2] [5]
Armadillidium depressum maximum length is 20 millimetres, compared to A. vulgare 18 millimetres. [2]
Like other woodlice, Armadillidium depressum feeds on dead plant matter, and lives for 3 years. [5] A. depressum can be seen all year long. [5]
The majority of specimens of Armadillidium depressum are concentrated in southwest Britain, near the English Channel, but small populations also occur in various towns scattered throughout England. [2] It is a synanthropic species, living on walls and under stones in towns and old houses. [2] [5] C