Glyptidotea is a monotypic genus of isopod in the family Idoteidae.

[2][3] The species has an elongate body with nearly parallel flanks.

It bears a pattern of brown or pink blotches that serve as camouflage.

A pronounced rostrum or spike extends from the front of the head and runs backwards over the center of the back in the form of a keel.

[4] Glyptidotea lichtensteini occurs from the coast of southern Namibia at Lüderitz to the Transkei in South Africa.