''Ligia dilatata'' is a

woodlouse A woodlouse (plural woodlice) is an isopod crustacean from the polyphyleticThe current consensus is that Oniscidea is actually triphyletic suborder Oniscidea within the order Isopoda. They get their name from often being found in old wood. ...

in the

family Family (from la, familia) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its ...

Ligiidae Ligiidae is a family (biology), family of woodlouse, woodlice, the only family in the infraorder Diplocheta. Its members are common on rocky shores, in similar habitats to those inhabited by species of the bristletail ''Petrobius'' and the crab ...

Identification

It has a finely granular surface and a body that is slightly convex, as well as eyes that are large and convex. It has relatively small uropods. It can be differentiated from '' L. glabrata'', with which it shares some range, by its antennae. The antennae of ''L. dilatata'' are longer, reaching the end of its thorax.

Habits

''Ligia dilatata'' feeds extensively on dislodged '' Ecklonia maxima'' and '' Laminaria pallida'' that wash up on shore. They gather in large numbers on these kelp. The species lives about 2 years. Females start reproducing at 12 months but, unlike males, probably do not survive to breed twice. The brood period is 5 to 6 weeks. Growth is slow during summer but faster in winter when food is more plentiful.

References

External links

* {{Taxonbar, from=Q2334316 Woodlice Crustaceans described in 1833