Pentidotea wosnesenskii

(Brandt, 1851)

Rockweed isopod

A marine isopod to the temperate North Pacific, reaching up to 40 mm in length. Typically green but capable of color to match its algal surroundings. Frequently shelters under rockweed in the intertidal zone but has been recorded at depths exceeding 900 meters. Named in honor of Russian biologist Ilya G. Voznesensky.

Pentidotea wosnesenskii by (c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Pentidotea wosnesenskii by no rights reserved, uploaded by Randal. Used under a CC0 license.Pentidotea wosnesenskii by (c) Erin McKittrick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Erin McKittrick. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pentidotea wosnesenskii: //ˌpɛn.tɪˈdoʊ.tiə wəzˈnɛ.zən.ski.aɪ//

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Identification

Distinguished from related idoteids by its concave (outwardly curved) rather than indented or notched tail. Maximum length 40 mm. Coloration usually green but adaptable to environment, enabling camouflage against algal substrates.

Images

Habitat

Rocky shorelines with abundant seaweed cover. Primarily intertidal, hiding under rockweed (Fucus ). Recorded from shallow intertidal zones to depths of 919 meters.

Distribution

Temperate Northern Pacific: British Columbia, Washington, and south to San Francisco, California.

Behavior

Has been observed hiding under rockweed in the intertidal zone.

Ecological Role

Prey item for the surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata).

Sources and further reading