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Petrobius Maritimus, Leach, 1809
Sea Bristletail
Introduction
In the British Isles this species is known to be widely distributed around the coast,
alongside the very similar looking species
Petrobius Brevistylus.
P.maritimus typically has clearly ringed antennae seperating them from
P.brevistylus which has plain antennae.
In addition males of P.maritimus have un-lobed subcoxae of the 8th abdominal segment
and a penis which is of equal width throughout its length.
Taxonomy
Order Archeognatha, Family Machilidae
, Genus Petrobius
Distribution
Thought to be distributed around much of the British coast, except for unsuitable stretches of the East coast. Also found to some distance inland.
Habitat
Typically occurs above the high water mark in loose scree, under stones, in litter or plant tussocks, and in crumbling mortar.
Behaviour
Studied by Dixon 1970, Davies and RIchardson 1970 and Davies 1990.