Socorro Isopod

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Thermosphaeroma thermophilum: /ˌθɜːrməˈsfɪərəʊmə ˌθɜːrməˈfɪləm/

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Summary

Thermosphaeroma thermophilum, known as the Socorro isopod, is a small crustacean endemic to the thermal waters of Socorro, NM. It has a complex reproductive cycle and life history characterized by captive breeding efforts due to past population threats and habitat loss. It is currently protected under various conservation measures.

Physical Characteristics

The Socorro isopod is sexually dimorphic, with males averaging 7.1 mm in length (range 4-13 mm) and females averaging 5.1 mm (range 4.5-6 mm). Both sexes are gray to reddish-brown with bright orange-tinted edges. Body is flattened and segmented, with uropods on the last segment, seven pairs of legs, and a pair of antennae.

Identification Tips

Look for a small, flattened body with noticeable dimorphism between sexes, where males are typically larger. The presence of orange-tinted edges is also a distinguishing feature.

Habitat

Endemic to the thermal waters of Sedillo Spring in Socorro County, New Mexico. Prefers warm aquatic habitats with temperatures ranging from 26–33 °C (79–91 °F).

Distribution

Originally endemic to Sedillo Spring near Socorro County, New Mexico, USA. Currently found in a pipeline and various captive populations in facilities such as the Socorro Isopod Propagation Facility and Albuquerque Biological Park.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding on blue-green algae, leaves or detritus from cottonwood, juniper and mesquite trees, dragonfly nymphs, and engaging in cannibalism.

Life Cycle

Lifespan of approximately 1 year. Males and females reach sexual maturity between 4-11 weeks, with a reproductive period from March to October. Mating and breeding outcomes can be variable; females can reabsorb eggs or give birth every two months under optimal conditions.

Reproduction

Iteroparous females can have multiple broods, carrying offspring for about 30 days, with average brood sizes of 16. Sperm storage occurs after mating, and egg development happens post-mating.

Predators

Lacks natural predators due to habitat depth (15–26 cm). Intra-species cannibalism occurs with larger individuals preying on smaller ones.

Conservation Status

Listed as extinct in the wild (EW) by IUCN, but potentially listed as Vulnerable (VU) following a USFWS five-year review.

Ecosystem Role

The Socorro isopod plays a role in the aquatic food web, being both a consumer of algal and detrital material and a prey species within its habitat.

Cultural Significance

The species has provided insights into aquatic ecosystem health and conservation, being the first crustacean listed as endangered.

Tags

• Thermosphaeroma
• socorro isopod
• isopoda
• endangered species
• New Mexico