Biology:Glyptidotea

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Short description: Species of crustacean

Glyptidotea lichtensteini
Glyptidotea lichtensteini.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
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Genus:
Glyptidotea

Stebbing, 1902
Species:
G. lichtensteini
Binomial name
Glyptidotea lichtensteini
Krauss, 1843
Synonyms
  • Idotea lichtensteini Krauss, 1843

Glyptidotea is a monotypic genus of isopod in the family Idoteidae.[1] Its sole member is Glyptidotea lichtensteini, the keeled isopod, a medium-sized isopod found on the coast of southern Africa.[2][3]

Description

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. The segments of the pleon are fused to the telson. Average size is 40 mm.[4]

Distribution and habitat

G. lichtensteini occurs from the coast of southern Namibia at Lüderitz to the Transkei in South Africa . It inhabits the intertidal zone, where it may be found under boulders.[3] It has also been reported from seamounts and knolls.[2]

References

  1. "Glyptidotea". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=246304. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 G. Poore, M. Schotte (2015). "Glyptidotea lichtensteini". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=246305. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 Branch, G. M.; Griffiths, C. L.; Branch, M. L.; Beckley, L. E. (2010). Two Oceans: a Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik Nature. 
  4. Kensley, Brian (1978). Guide to the marine isopods of southern Africa. South Africa Museum. ISBN 0-908407-43-2. 

Wikidata ☰ Q2047107 entry