Xenylla maritima is moderately common species which is bluish black in colour and reaches 1.8 mm in length. Most records are from dry seashore debris, salt marshes and dry accumulated organic matter on the margins of saline water. However, there are also a few inland records from quite dry situations. Xenylla maritima has a long pointed furca in which the mucro dens is fused (Fig. 1). Seen from the side, the furca has a distinct bend (Fig. 2). Several specimens labelled 'Xenylla maritima' in the NHML collection have a mucro dens that is clearly separate so these specimens have been mapped as Xenylla humicola.

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Fig. 1 (above): Ventral view of the furca of Xenylla maritima collected from Kew Gardens in July 1962 by Peter Lawrence. The dens and mucro are fused. man, manubrium.

Fig. 2 (above): Oblique view of the furca of Xenylla maritima collected from Boyle, Co. Sligo in October 1950 by Peter Lawrence. Seen from this angle, the profile of the furca has a distinct bend.

Fig. 3 (above): Tiny anal spines of the same specimen of Xenylla maritima shown in Fig. 2.