Sand-flea
Guides
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.