Platyarthrus hoffmannseggii
Brandt, 1833
Ant Woodlouse
Platyarthrus hoffmannseggii is a small, white, -associated that lives exclusively in ant nests, particularly those of Lasius flavus, Lasius niger, and Myrmica . It feeds on ant droppings and mildew within these colonies. The species is considered blind, likely an to its dark subterranean . Its distribution closely tracks that of its ants across Europe, North Africa, Turkey, and introduced in Australia and North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Platyarthrus hoffmannseggii: //ˌplæt.iˈɑːr.θrəs hɒfˌmænˈzɛɡ.i.aɪ//
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Identification
Distinguished from other woodlice by its small size (4–5 mm), pure white coloration, oval body shape, and short . The combination of white color, eyeless condition, and -nest is diagnostic. Should not be confused with Porcellio hoffmannseggii, which shares the same specific epithet and author. Preserved specimens may be mistaken for Trichoniscidae dwarf isopods.
Images
Habitat
Exclusively associated with nests, particularly those of Lasius flavus, Lasius niger, and Myrmica . Occupies the dark, subterranean chambers of these colonies.
Distribution
Europe (northwestern limit at British Isles), Mediterranean region, North Africa, Turkey. Introduced to Australia and North America. Distribution follows that of .
Diet
Feeds on droppings and mildew within ant nests.
Host Associations
- Lasius flavus - myrmecophilousnests inhabited
- Lasius niger - myrmecophilousnests inhabited
- Myrmica - myrmecophilousmultiple , nests inhabited
Behavior
-associated (myrmecophilous); body size varies depending on ant . Adapted to total darkness within ant nest chambers.
Ecological Role
Consumer of waste products (droppings) and mildew within ant colonies; dependent on ants for .
Similar Taxa
- Porcellio hoffmannseggiiShares identical binomial abbreviation P. hoffmannseggii and was described by same researcher (Brandt, 1833), but is a different in a different
- TrichoniscidaeDwarf isopods of this resemble preserved specimens of P. hoffmannseggii in small size and general appearance
More Details
Host-dependent body size
Research indicates that body size in P. hoffmannseggii varies depending on which it inhabits.