Asellotes
Asellota
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Malacostraca
- Superorder: Peracarida
- Order: Isopoda
- Suborder: Asellota
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Asellota: /ˌæˈsɛloʊtə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Asellota is a suborder of isopod crustaceans characterized by distinct reproductive structures, presence in both marine and freshwater environments, and a significant diversity of species across North America. This group comprises about 22 families and includes both freshwater and marine representatives.
Physical Characteristics
Members of Asellota possess a six-jointed antennal peduncle, a complex copulatory apparatus, styliform uropods, and often exhibit fusion of pleonites 5, 4, and sometimes 3 to the pleotelson. Females lack the first pleopod.
Identification Tips
Uropods set at the tip of the telson distinguish this suborder from others; the only other suborder in North America with this feature is Microcerberidea.
Habitat
Asellota can be found in both marine and freshwater environments, primarily in temperate and tropical regions. Aselloidea are the only freshwater representatives in North America.
Distribution
Ranging from southern Canada to south Florida for the freshwater species, with marine families distributed widely from the Arctic to tropical waters.
Diet
Asellota are detritivores or scavengers, feeding on decomposing organic matter and microorganisms in their habitats.
Reproduction
Asellota exhibit complex mating behaviors facilitated by their specialized copulatory apparatus. Females show variation in pleopod morphology compared to males.
Ecosystem Role
Asellota play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems as decomposers, contributing to nutrient recycling.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some may confuse freshwater Asellota with other isopod groups due to similar morphology and habitat.
Tags
- Isopoda
- Crustacea
- Aquatic Ecosystems
- Freshwater
- Marine