Pallenella

Pallenella is a genus of sea spiders (Pycnogonida) that belongs to the family Pallenopsidae. These marine arthropods are characterized by their long, slender legs and small, compact bodies. They are found in a variety of marine environments, primarily in shallow waters.

Yellow Kneed Sea Spider – Pallenella harrisi

Yellow Sea Spider, Ambiguous Sea Spider – Pallenella ambigua

Common Names

Pallenella species do not have commonly used names other than their scientific name.

Characteristics

Members of the genus Pallenella typically share the following characteristics:

  • Long, slender legs: The legs are proportionally very long compared to the body size.
  • Small, compact body: The cephalothorax (head) is small and fused to the abdomen, forming a compact body structure.
  • Chelifores: These are claw-like appendages located near the mouth, used for grasping food.
  • Ovigerous legs: In male sea spiders, a pair of legs are modified for carrying egg masses.
  • Eyes: Some species have simple eyes, but they are often poorly developed or absent.

Environments

Pallenella species are found in a range of marine environments, including:

  • Intertidal zones: Species can be found on rocky shores and in tide pools.
  • Subtidal zones: They can also be found in shallow waters, often associated with seaweeds and other benthic organisms.
  • Deep-sea environments: Some species are found in deeper waters.

References

For more information on Pallenella, refer to the following resources: