Ancinidae

Dana, 1852

Spikepills

Ancinidae is a of marine isopods in the suborder Sphaeromatidea. The family contains two : Ancinus and Bathycopea. These isopods are characterized by their pill-like ability to conglobate, or roll into a ball. The family was established by Dana in 1852.

Ancinidae by (c) Thomas Irvine, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas Irvine. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ancinidae: //ænˈsɪnɪˌdeɪ//

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Images

Habitat

Marine environments. Specific substrate preferences are not well documented.

Distribution

Marine distribution. Exact range boundaries are poorly documented due to limited study.

Similar Taxa

  • SphaeromatidaeAlso in suborder Sphaeromatidea with conglobation ability; Ancinidae distinguished by specific morphological features of the pleotelson and uropods
  • TylidaeAnother sphaeromatidean with pill-like isopods; Ancinidae differs in body shape and appendage structure

Sources and further reading