Western Seaslater

Ligia occidentalis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Superorder: Peracarida
Order: Isopoda
Suborder: Oniscidea
Infraorder: Diplocheta
Family: Ligiidae
Genus: Ligia
Species: occidentalis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ligia occidentalis: /ˈlɪd͡ʒiə ˌɒksɪˈdɛntəlɪs/

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Summary

Ligia occidentalis is the Western Sea Slater, a species of rock slater in the family Ligiidae found along rocky shores of North America and Mexico. It is characterized by its long uropods and tendency to bolt when disturbed.

Physical Characteristics

Longer uropods than L. pallasi; larger eyes that are closer together; sleeker body.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from L. pallasi by its much longer uropods, larger eyes, and sleek body.

Habitat

Rocky shores, hiding in crevices above the high tide line.

Distribution

Found in North America and Mexico, particularly in the Vancouver, BC area (introduced).

Diet

Scavenges for algae and detritus along beaches or rocky cliffs.

Ecosystem Role

Habitat generalist of rocky intertidal environments.