Exosphaeroma laeviusculum explained

Exosphaeroma laeviusculum is a species of isopod in the family Sphaeromatidae,[1] native to the west coast of southern Africa.

Description

E. laeviusculum has a flattened body with speckled pattern of black and white, or pink. The pleon consists of a single segment, although the original fused segments are still discernible by lateral grooves. The telson is triangular, bears two small ridges near the base and a semicircle of tiny tubercles. Average body length is 10 mm.[2]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs on the west coast of southern Africa, from Lüderitz in Namibia to Cape Point in South Africa.[2] [3] It inhabits the intertidal zone or shallow water, where it may be found among weeds or under stones.[2]

For unknown reasons, the original description by Camill Heller reports the type locality as "Java".[4] [1]

Notes and References

  1. Niel Bruce, M. Schotte. 2015. Exosphaeroma laeviusculum. 257028. 9 January 2017.
  2. Book: Branch. G. M.. Griffiths. C. L.. Branch. M. L.. Beckley. L. E.. 2010. Two Oceans: a Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa. Struik Nature. Cape Town.
  3. Book: Kensley, Brian. Guide to the marine isopods of southern Africa. South Africa Museum. 1978. 0-908407-43-2.
  4. Book: Camill Heller. 1868. Crustaceen. [{{Google books|qsJoAAAAcAAJ|page=265|plainurl=yes}} Reise der Osterreichischen Fregatte Novara um die Erde in den Jahren 1857, 1858, 1859. Zoologischer Theil]. 2 . 3. 1–280.