Exosphaeroma laeviusculum | |
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Scientific classification | |
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Species: | E. laeviusculum |
Binomial name | |
Exosphaeroma laeviusculum | |
Synonyms [2] | |
Sphaeroma laevisculumHeller, 1868 |
Exosphaeroma laeviusculum is a species of isopod in the family Sphaeromatidae, [2] native to the west coast of southern Africa.
E. laeviusculum has a flattened body with speckled pattern of black and white, or pink. The pleon consists of a single segment, although the original fused segments are still discernible by lateral grooves. The telson is triangular, bears two small ridges near the base and a semicircle of tiny tubercles. Average body length is 10 mm. [3]
The species occurs on the west coast of southern Africa, from Lüderitz in Namibia to Cape Point in South Africa. [3] [4] It inhabits the intertidal zone or shallow water, where it may be found among weeds or under stones. [3]
For unknown reasons, the original description by Camill Heller reports the type locality as "Java". [1] [2]
Isopoda is an order of crustaceans that includes woodlice and their relatives. Isopods live in the sea, in fresh water, or on land. All have rigid, segmented exoskeletons, two pairs of antennae, seven pairs of jointed limbs on the thorax, and five pairs of branching appendages on the abdomen that are used in respiration. Females brood their young in a pouch under their thorax.
Iais pubescens is a species of marine isopod in the family Janiroidea. It inhabits seashores in a large number of locations in the southern hemisphere and may be found both free-living, and as commensals on larger isopods.
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Ligia diletata is a woodlouse in the family Ligiidae.
Exosphaeroma is a genus of marine isopod of the family Sphaeromatidae. This genus is found in shallow ocean waters worldwide. It is notable for being one of the few genera of sphaeromatid to be found in the southern reaches of the Southern Ocean. The greatest diversity of Exosphaeroma occurs in the Southern Hemisphere.
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