(005/CEeng) Ceratophysella engadinensis (Gisin, 1949)

This species is a member of the 'denticulata group' with seta p1<p2 on abd4. Ceratophysella engadinensis is identical with Ceratophysella denticulata except for the presence of only 2+2 a setae between the p3 sensilla on abd5 (a'2 absent; Fig. 2). Ceratophysella denticulata has 3+3 a setae between the p3 sensilla on abd5 (a'2 present; Fig. 1). Both species have seven setae on the dens (there are no confirmed records for the very similar Ceratophysella succinea which has only 6 setae on the dens). Some workers do not believe that Ceratophysella engadinensis is a good species although the character a'2 setae absent from abd5 is clear in British and Irish specimens Steven has seen. Ceratophysella engadinensis has been found in similar habitats to Ceratophysella denticulata i.e. those rich in organic matter. The only published record for Ceratophysella engadinensis was made by Harold Gough. He reported specimens from a dry cow pat in Whiteknights Park, which is now the campus of Reading University. The other specimens in the NHML collection which fit the description of Ceratophysella engadinensis (shown on the map) were labelled 'Ceratophysella denticulata'.

Map Ceratophysella engadinensis

 

 

Dorsal chaetotaxy of fifth abdominal segment of Ceratophysella denticulata

Dorsal chaetotaxy of fifth abdominal segment of Ceratophysella denticulata collected from Woodbastwick, Norfolk in October 1955 by Theresa Clay. Note the presence of seta a2' (absent in Ceratophysella engadinensis) (M (macroseta) = p1; s (sensilla) = p3).

 

 

Dorsal chaetotaxy of fifth abdominal segment of Ceratophysella engadinensis

Dorsal chaetotaxy of fifth abdominal segment of Ceratophysella engadinensis collected from Carrigeencorlough, Leitrim, Ireland in July 1971. Note the absence (*) of seta a2' (present in Ceratophysella denticulata) (M (macroseta) = p1, s (sensilla) = p3).

 
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