Ophiola decumana

Formerly known as Scleroracus decumanus.

This came to light in the middle of a field that was taken out of production the previous year, ready for restoration to heathland. The species is normally associated with heath. The RES key mentions a possible association with Cross-leaved Heath Erica tetralix but Biedermann & Niedringhaus mention Knotgrass Polygonum aviculare and Sheep's Sorrel Rumex acetosella which seems more likely at this site at the moment. Biedermann & Niedringhaus also says its found in early successional stages of open dry habitats which makes sense for here.

The rounded vertex was important for the identification - the vertex was 0.34mm long medially and 0.24mm adjacent to the eyes, so 1.4x longer medially - it's normally more than 1.5x longer in the other Ophiola species according to the RES key.

female Ophiola decumana, Wendling Beck Environment Project (Norfolk, UK), 19th September 2025