Idoteidae
Guides
Idotea metallica
metallic isopod
Idotea metallica is a neustonic marine isopod in the family Idoteidae, commonly known as the metallic isopod. It is recognized by its metallic blue coloration and blunt, squared-off telson. The species inhabits drifting objects at the sea surface, forming persistent local populations on floating patches of debris. It has a worldwide distribution in open ocean waters but is competitively inferior to coastal congeners such as Idotea baltica, limiting its persistence in nearshore environments.
Pentidotea aculeata
Pencil Isopod
Pentidotea aculeata is a marine isopod in the family Idoteidae, commonly known as the Pencil Isopod. It inhabits the intertidal zone along the coast of California. The species was described by Stafford in 1913. Like other idoteid isopods, it is adapted to life in shallow coastal waters where it likely feeds on algae and detritus.