Ligia dilatata

Ligia baudiniana
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Isopoda
Family: Ligiidae
Genus: Ligia
Species: L. dilatada
Binomial name
Ligia dilatada
Brandt, 1833 [1]
Distribution of L. diletata based on available literature

Ligia diletata is a woodlouse in the family Ligiidae.

Identification

It has a finely granular surface and a body that is slightly convex, as well as eye that are large and convex. It has relatively small uropods.[2]

It can be differentiated from L. glabrata, with which it shares some range, by its antennae. The antennae of L. diletata are longer, reaching the end of its thorax.[3]

Habits

L. diletata feeds extensively on dislodged Ecklonia maxima and Laminaria pallida that wash up on shore. They gather in large numbers on these kelp.[4]

The species lives about 2 years. Females start reproducing at 12 months but, unlike males, probably do not survive to breed twice. The brood period is 5 to 6 weeks.

Growth is slow during summer but faster in winter when food is more plentiful.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Marilyn Schotte (2010). M. Schotte, C. B. Boyko, N. L. Bruce, G. C. B. Poore, S. Taiti & G. D. F. Wilson, eds. "Ligia dilatada Brandt, 1833". World Marine, Freshwater and Terrestrial Isopod Crustaceans database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  2. ↑ Walter E. Collinge (1920). "Contributions to a knowledge of the terrestrial Isopoda of Natal. Part III.". Annals of the Natal Museum. 4 (2): 471–490.
  3. ↑ George Branch; C. L. Griffiths; M. L. Branch; L. E. Beckley (2007). Two Oceans: A Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: David Philip. pp. 368 pages.
  4. ↑ Stenton-Dozey, JME; Griffiths, CL (1983). "The Fauna Associated with Kelp Stranded on a Sandy Beach". Sandy Beaches as Ecosystems: 557–568.
  5. ↑ K Koop; J.G Field (1980). "The influence of food availability on population dynamics of a supralittoral isopod, Ligia dilatata brandt". Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. 48 (1): 61–72. doi:10.1016/0022-0981(80)90007-6.
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