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Species Idotea metallica

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Subphylum Crustacea (Crustaceans)

Class Malacostraca (Malacostracans)

Superorder Peracarida (Marsupial Crustaceans)

Order Isopoda (Isopods)

No Taxon (Scutocoxifera)

Suborder Valvifera (Valve-tailed Isopods)

Family Idoteidae

Genus Idotea

Species metallica (Idotea metallica)

Explanation of Names

Idotea metallica Bosc 1802

Identification

Among New England valviferan isopods (and probably among other regional valviferan fauna as well), can be identified by the blunt, squared off shape of the telson. Also distinctive is the metallic blue coloration.(1)

Habitat

Pelagic. Doesn't breed nearshore due to competition from I. balthica and other species. Can drift ashore with seaweed it's attached to.

Internet References

WoRMS

Works Cited

1.	The Arthrostraca of Connecticut Kunkel B.W. 1918. Connecticut State Geological and Natural History Survey.

Contributed by Aaron Hunt on 24 August, 2015 - 5:44pm
Last updated 18 August, 2023 - 10:44pm

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