Sand hopper (Talitrus saltator)
Facts – Sand hopper
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Crustacea |
| Order | Amphipoda |
| Family | Talitridae |
| Genus | Talitrus (1) |
| Size | Female length: 8.5- 15.0 mm (2) Male length: 8.2-16.5 mm (2) |
Status – Sand hopper
Common and widespread.
Description – Sand hopper
Range – Sand hopper
Common on all coasts of Britain (2), this sand hopper is also known from Ireland, the north east Atlantic, the North Sea, and around European coasts, from Norway to the Mediterranean (2).
|
You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway. |
Habitat – Sand hopper
Found on sandy shores in association with decaying seaweed (3).
Biology – Sand hopper
This sand hopper spends the day buried in the sand at depths of 10-30 cm, well above the high water mark. It emerges at night to feed on decaying seaweed and other vegetation along the strandline (2). Adults spend the winter in a dormant state above the spring tide high water mark, buried in the substrate at depths of up to 50cm (2). Burrowing into sand means that the sand hopper escapes desiccation (2). Juveniles are unable to burrow, so they retreat to recently deposited seaweed instead, where humidity is relatively high (2).
Like all crustaceans, the sand hopper's reproduction is tied closely to the moult cycle. Adults form pairs and mate after the female moults; most reproductive activity takes place between May and August. The female carries the fertilised eggs around in a brood pouch. Juveniles reach maturity by autumn, but do not breed until the summer of the following year (2). Females live for around 18 months, and die during their second winter. Males on average live to around 21 months, dying after the females (2).
Threats – Sand hopper
Not currently threatened.
Conservation – Sand hopper
Conservation action has not been targeted at this species.
|
|
There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway. |
Find out more – Sand hopper
For more on this species see the Marine Life Information Network species account:
http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Talitrussaltator.htm
Authentication
Glossary
- Antenna: one of a pair of sensory structures on the head of invertebrates.
References
-
National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (November, 2002)
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/ -
Budd, G. C. 2002. Talitrus saltator. A sand hopper. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth:Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. (November, 2002)
http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Talitrussaltator.htm - Fish, J.D. and Fish, S. (1996) A student's guide to the seashore. Second Edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
What's new?
New profile for the Critically Endangered reptile, Lygodactylus mirabilis. More
Latest from the ARKive blog
To see the latest posts from ARKive please visit http://blog.arkive.org or enable javascript.
Image credit
© Christophe Courteau / naturepl.com
Nature Picture Library
5a Great George Street
Bristol
BS1 5RR
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 117 911 4675
Fax: +44 (0) 117 911 4699
info@naturepl.com
http://www.naturepl.com
Link to this photo
Embed this ARKive thumbnail link by copying and pasting the code below.
Terms of Use - The displayed thumbnail may be used as a link from your website to ARKive's online content for not-for-profit private, scientific, conservation or educational purposes only. Portlets may NOT be used within Apps.
MyARKive offers the scrapbook feature to signed-up members, allowing you to organize your favourite ARKive images and videos and share them with friends.
