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
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^ Marilyn Schotte (2010). Schotte M, Boyko CB, Bruce NL, Poore GC, Taiti S, Wilson GD (eds.). "Ligia dilatada Brandt, 1833". World Marine, Freshwater and Terrestrial Isopod Crustaceans database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
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^ 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.
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^ 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.
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^ 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.
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^ 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.
