Biology:Ligia dilatata
| Ligia dilatata | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Superorder: | Peracarida |
| Order: | Isopoda |
| Suborder: | Oniscidea |
| Family: | Ligiidae |
| Genus: | Ligia |
| Species: | L. dilatata
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| Binomial name | |
| Ligia dilatata Brandt, 1833 [1]
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| Distribution of L. diletata based on available literature | |
Ligia dilatata is a woodlouse in the family Ligiidae.
Identification
It has a finely granular surface and a body that is slightly convex, as well as eyes 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. dilatata are longer, reaching the end of its thorax.[3]
Habits
Ligia dilatata 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
- ↑ Marilyn Schotte (2010). "Ligia dilatada Brandt, 1833". World Marine, Freshwater and Terrestrial Isopod Crustaceans database. World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=257543.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Stenton-Dozey, JME; Griffiths, CL (1983). "The Fauna Associated with Kelp Stranded on a Sandy Beach". Sandy Beaches as Ecosystems: 557–568. doi:10.1007/978-94-017-2938-3_43. ISBN 978-90-481-8521-4.
- ↑ 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.
External links
Wikidata ☰ Q2334316 entry
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