Western Sea Slater
ExploreInvertebrate
Western Sea Slater
ligia occidentalis
The Western Sea Slater is a small, lively creature that loves to scuttle around on rocky shores. They are great at hiding in tiny crevices and are fun to watch as they explore their coastal homes!
Habitat: Rocky shores and tide pools along the coast.
Appearance
The Western Sea Slater is a flattened, oval-shaped invertebrate with a segmented, dull grey or mottled brown body. It has long, slender antennae and many legs, allowing it to scurry quickly over rocks. Its coloration helps it blend perfectly with coastal environments.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassMalacostracaOrderIsopodaFamilyLigiidaeGenusLigia
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Sea slaters have huge compound eyes, like a fly's, for great vision!
These speedy critters can run backwards just as fast as forwards!
They are more closely related to terrestrial pillbugs than to crabs!
They can sense changes in the tide, knowing when to climb higher!
Special abilities
Ability
Rapid Scuttler
Western Sea Slater can move incredibly fast over rocks because of its numerous legs, helping them escape predators in a flash.
Ability
Gill Breathing
Western Sea Slater has specialized gills that allow them to breathe even when out of water, helping them survive low tide for hours.
Ability
Night Forager
Western Sea Slater is most active at night, which helps them avoid daytime predators and find food more safely in the dark.
Measurements & details
- Average Length
- 3.5 cm
- Lifespan
- 2 years
- Top Speed
- 5 km/h
Diet & Feeding
Nature's clean-up crew, munching on decaying plants and tiny bits of algae along the shore!
Primary Foods
- Decaying seaweed
- Dead algae
- Detritus
- Microorganisms
Foraging Method
- Scavenging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Spotted Sandpiper
Actitis macularius
A quick meal for shorebirds.
eaten by
Striped Shore Crab
Pachygrapsus crassipes
Crabs snatch them from rocks.
eats
Sea Lettuce
Ulva lactuca
Consumes decaying bits of this green alga.
eats
Rockweed
Fucus gardneri
Feeds on dead or dying strands of this seaweed.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
Coastal PillbugRock BugSea Roach
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Western Sea Slater?
3.5 cm
How long does Western Sea Slater live?
2 years
How fast can Western Sea Slater move?
5 km/h
What does Western Sea Slater eat?
Nature's clean-up crew, munching on decaying plants and tiny bits of algae along the shore!
Where is Western Sea Slater usually found?
Rocky shores and tide pools along the coast.
How does Western Sea Slater hunt?
Scavenging
Snap Map
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Where to spot
Park44 sightings10 species
British Columbia, CA
Dionisio Point Provincial Park
You might spot Broad-Leaved Stonecrop, Harbor Seal, and Ochre Sea Star.
View guide →
Park18 sightings7 species
British Columbia, CA
Saltery Bay Provincial Park
You might spot Ochre Sea Star and Yellow Shore Crab.
View guide →
Park0 sightings0 species
British Columbia, CA
Sabine Channel Provincial Park
You might spot Harbor Seal, Evergreen Huckleberry, and Alumroots.
View guide →
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