Talitridae
Talitridae is a family of small, typically 5 to 15 millimeters long, crustaceans commonly known as sandhoppers or beach hoppers. They belong to the order Amphipoda, which are characterized by laterally compressed bodies, and are found in a wide range of marine and terrestrial habitats. Talitridae are adapted to living in coastal environments, especially on beaches, and can be found on sand, rocks, and seaweed.
Common Names
Members of the Talitridae family are commonly referred to as sandhoppers, beach hoppers, or simply hoppers. These names refer to their characteristic hopping movement, which they use for locomotion, particularly when threatened.
Characteristics
Talitridae share a number of distinctive characteristics that differentiate them from other amphipods:
- Body Shape: Talitridae have a laterally compressed body, meaning they are flattened from side to side. This shape allows them to move easily between sand grains and rocks.
- Antennae: They have two pairs of antennae, the first pair of which is usually longer than the second.
- Eyes: Talitridae have two compound eyes, typically situated on the sides of the head.
- Gills: They possess gills on their thoracic segments, which allow them to breathe underwater.
- Legs: Talitridae have seven pairs of legs, with the first two pairs being modified into grasping legs.
- Jumping ability: The strong muscles in their abdomen allow them to jump significant distances, particularly when disturbed.
Environments
Talitridae are found in a variety of coastal environments, including:
- Beaches: They are particularly common on sandy beaches, where they burrow into the sand to avoid predators and the harsh sun.
- Rock pools: Some species can be found in rock pools, where they feed on algae and detritus.
- Seaweed: Some species are associated with seaweed, feeding on decaying seaweed and sheltering among its fronds.
References
For further information on Talitridae, consult the following reliable sources: