Cretaceous-biogeography
Guides
Orchestia
Orchestia is a genus of talitrid amphipods comprising approximately 10-15 marine supralittoral species. The genus was revised in 2014, with three new species described from the North Atlantic and South America, and has been redefined to exclude terrestrial species now placed in Cryptorchestia. Species in this genus inhabit coastal environments including sandy beaches, driftwood, and estuaries, with some showing specialized ecological associations. Orchestia species serve as intermediate hosts for parasites and play roles in wrack decomposition.