''Ligia dilatata'' is a

woodlouse Woodlice are terrestrial isopods in the suborder Oniscidea. Their name is derived from being often found in old wood, and from louse, a parasitic insect, although woodlice are neither parasitic nor insects. Woodlice evolved from marine isopods ...

in the

family Family (from ) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). It forms the basis for social order. Ideally, families offer predictabili ...

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. 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.

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. 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.

References

External links

* {{Taxonbar, from=Q2334316 Woodlice Crustaceans described in 1833