Porcellio spinicornis

Porcellio spinicornis is a species of woodlouse in the family Porcellionidae. This species is widespread in Europe,[1] and has also been introduced to North America.[2] It has wide spiny frontal lateral lobes.[3]

Porcellio spinicornis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Superorder: Peracarida
Order: Isopoda
Suborder: Oniscidea
Family: Porcellionidae
Genus: Porcellio
Species:
P. spinicornis
Binomial name
Porcellio spinicornis
Say, 1818

Description

Porcellio spinicornis is a medium-sized Porcellio species, typically measuring around 10–15mm in length. It has a dark gray, brown, light brown or yellow coloration, with two rows of yellow blotches. The species has a glossy exoskeleton with slight granulation.[1]

Habitat and distribution

Porcellio spinicornis is found in a variety of habitats across Europe, including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. It is also found in North America, where it has been introduced. The species has a wide distribution and is considered to be common in many areas.[2]

Ecology and behavior

Porcellio spinicornis is a detritivore, feeding on a wide range of dead plant material, including leaves, twigs, and bark. It is a nocturnal species and is typically active at night.[1]

Development and maternal care

Like all species of Isopoda, Porcellio spinicornis develops directly from yolky eggs. Both the eggs and juveniles develop within a brood pouch called a marsupium until the first juvenile stage. The use of the marsupium eliminates the need for an external water source for early development since it is filled with fluid from the mother isopod.

Conservation status

Porcellio spinicornis is not considered to be a threatened species, and is not listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. It has a wide distribution in Europe and North America.

Taxonomy and nomenclature

Porcellio spinicornis was first described in 1818 by Tomas Say. The species name "spinicornis" refers to the spiny frontal lateral lobes of the species.[4][5]

Relationships with humans

Porcellio spinicornis has been introduced into the Isopod Hobby; however, few morphs have been isolated.[6]

References
  1. "Porcellio pumicatus Say, 1818". Fauna Europaea. 2.6.2. August 29, 2013. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
  2. Patsy A. McLaughlin; David K. Camp; Martin V. Angel; et al. (2005). "Nonindigenous crustaceans established in North America and Hawaii". Common and Scientific Names of Aquatic Invertebrates from the United States and Canada: Crustaceans (PDF). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ISBN 1-888569-64-6.
  3. Richardson, Harriet (1900). "Synopses of North-American Invertebrates. VIII. The Isopoda. Part II. Asellota, Oniscoidea, Epicaridea" (PDF). American Naturalist. 34 (400): 295–309. doi:10.1086/277619. JSTOR 277619.
  4. "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Porcellio spinicornis Say, 1818". www.marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2023-01-28.
  5. "Habitat and Resource Use by Terrestrial Isopods (Isopoda, Oniscidea)", The Biology of Terrestrial Isopods, BRILL, pp. 243–261, 2003-01-01, retrieved 2023-01-28
  6. "SHOP NOW". Smugbug. Retrieved 2023-01-28.


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