Rock-slater
Guides
Diplocheta
Rock Slaters
Diplocheta is an infraorder of terrestrial isopods commonly known as rock slaters. Members of this group are adapted to coastal and intertidal environments, showing morphological specializations for life in these habitats. The group was established by Vandel in 1957 and includes the family Ligiidae. These isopods represent an evolutionary transition between fully marine and fully terrestrial lifestyles.
Ligia baudiniana
Central American Seaslater
A large intertidal isopod (sea slater) native to the Greater Caribbean region, reaching 25–30 mm in body length. Distinguished from congeners by long uropods exceeding two-thirds body length and brush-like structures on the first pair of legs in males. Exhibits strong habitat fidelity to natural mangrove forests and rocky intertidal zones, with documented sensitivity to coastal development. Serves as intermediate host for digenean trematodes.
Ligia occidentalis
Western Sea Slater
Ligia occidentalis is a supralittoral isopod inhabiting rocky shorelines along the eastern Pacific coast. The species occupies the high intertidal zone, hiding in crevices above the high tide line during daytime to avoid desiccation and emerging nocturnally to feed. It is distinguished from the sympatric Ligia pallasii by longer uropods, larger eyes set closer together, and a sleeker body form. The species harbors mycoplasma-like bacteria as hepatopancreas symbionts and shows remarkable morphological stasis across highly genetically divergent allopatric lineages.
Ligidium elrodii
Eastern Rockslater, rock slater
Ligidium elrodii is a terrestrial isopod species in the family Ligiidae, commonly known as the Eastern Rockslater. It is native to North America, with documented presence in both the United States and Canada. The species includes five recognized subspecies, described by Schultz in 1970 from various geographic locations. It belongs to a family of rock-dwelling woodlice adapted to moist, rocky microhabitats.
Ligidium gracile
Western Rockslater
Ligidium gracile is a species of terrestrial isopod commonly known as the Western Rockslater. It belongs to the family Ligiidae, a group of semi-terrestrial crustaceans often found in moist coastal or riparian habitats. The species is native to western North America and is distinguished from other rock slaters by its relatively slender body form. Like other ligiids, it occupies an ecological niche between fully aquatic and fully terrestrial isopods.