CRUSTACEA > MALACOSTRACA > ISOPODA > Oniscidea > Crinocheta > Philosciidae

This is a medium-sized, relatively flat, step-bodied species that grows to about 11mm long when mature. It is quite shiny and typically mottled-brown in colour, although bright yellow, red and even greenish forms are not uncommon. The characteristic feature though is the dark dorsal stripe that can be more apparent in some individuals than others, so it's also a good idea to look at the head, which is always darker than the body and usually with a small patch of yellow at the back. The eyes comprise numerous black ocelli, and the antennae have three flagella segments.

Philoscia muscorum has a habit of disappearing very quickly when disturbed. It is an abundant species, particularly across central and southern counties, where it is mostly associated with open grassy locations rather than dense woodland. These habitats include hedgerows, the edges of woodland rides and gardens as well as more typical grassland environments where there are some forms of refuge that they can hide under, such as dead wood or large stones, or even beneath dried cowpats.

The following photos show a variety of colour forms.