Beach-fauna
Guides
Megalorchestia
sand-hoppers
Megalorchestia is a genus of sand-hoppers in the family Talitridae, erected by Johann Friedrich von Brandt in 1851. The genus contains seven recognized species distributed along the Pacific coast of North America. Members are commonly found in coastal beach environments where they exhibit characteristic jumping locomotion.
Microthylax
Coral Beach Tiger Beetles
Microthylax is a genus of tiger beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Cicindelinae. It contains five described species distributed from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The genus was established by Rivalier in 1954. Species in this genus are associated with coastal and beach habitats, earning them the common name "Coral Beach Tiger Beetles."
Platorchestia platensis
sand flea
Platorchestia platensis is a talitrid amphipod commonly known as a sand flea, inhabiting sandy beach environments. It is a laterally compressed crustacean adapted for jumping and burrowing in intertidal zones. The species has been documented across Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal regions, including the Azores and Wadden Sea. It plays a role in beach ecosystem dynamics as a detritivore and prey item for shorebirds.