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Myriapoda: a review of their status in Essex
Julus scandinavius Latzel
A species which is widespread in much of
Britain, but with few records from parts of the
West Midlands and south-east England. It is
usually found in woodland and although
occasionally found in open land, especially
near the coast, it is rarely found in cultivated
land (Blower 1985). In Essex records of J.
scandinavius are widely distributed, with most
from woodland.
Ophyiulus pilosus (Newport)
This is a frequently recorded species in Britain
and is a characteristic inhabitant of deciduous
woodland. Unlike Julus scandinavius it is often
frequent in gardens and in and around farmland
(Blower 1985). The likelihood must be that
Ophyiulus pilosus is very under-recorded in
Essex.
Brachyiulus pusillus (Leach)
Not recorded for Essex in the 1988 national atlas, there are now two records for this species - one in
each vice county. It was recorded in North Essex by S.J. Gregory on 3 January 1994 at Cymbeline
Meadows, Colchester (TL985261), from a damp cattle-grazed meadow with willow-lined ditches.
The author collected this millipede in South Essex on 15 May 1999 from a dyke edge in old grazing
marsh grassland at Blue House Farm (TQ8697), a new Essex Wildlife Trust reserve near North
Fambridge.
Order POLYDESMIDA
Family Polydesmidae
Polydesmus angustus Latzel
A common millipede found in woods,
farmland, gardens and wasteland. In Essex
most records are from woodland or under dead
wood and stones near woodland. There are
large parts of the county without records, but
it is likely that these gaps will be filled by
more fieldwork.
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 17 (2000)