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The systematics and ecology of a new genus of sand beach isopod (Sphaeromatidae) from Kenya
Author(s) -
Holdich D. M.,
Jones D. A.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1973.tb05346.x
Subject(s) - fossorial , biology , isopoda , ecology , systematics , habit , herbivore , habitat , genus , burrow , crustacean , taxonomy (biology) , psychology , psychotherapist
Quantitative sampling of sand beaches at Watamu, Kenya, has revealed the presence of a new eubranchiate sphaeromatid isopod. A detailed description of this isopod is given together with details of its vertical distribution, ecology, and behaviour. Sphaeromopsis amathitis gen. et sp. n . appears to be herbivorous and is fossorial in habit prefering fairly exposed, coarse grained beaches, where it occurs most abundantly at the MLWN level. Comparison is made with eurydicid isopods from the same habitat.