Wharf Louse
ExploreInvertebrate
Wharf Louse
ligia exotica
The Wharf Louse is a tiny creature that loves to explore the rocky shores! It can often be found scurrying around in search of food like seaweed and decaying plants.
Habitat: Coastal areas and rocky shorelines
Appearance
The Wharf Louse has a flattened, oval body, typically grey or brownish-grey, with prominent antennae and many legs. Its segmented shell makes it look like a land-dwelling woodlouse, but it prefers coastal rocks.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassMalacostracaOrderIsopodaFamilyLigiidaeGenusLigia
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
If a wharf louse loses a leg, it can grow a brand new one back! Wow!
They act like tiny cleaners, munching on decaying plants along the coastline.
They are cousins to crabs and lobsters, belonging to the same crustacean family!
Wharf Louse are nocturnal, meaning they are most active exploring under moonlight.
Special abilities
Ability
Amphibious Breathing
Wharf Louse can breathe both air and water because of special gill-like structures, helping them survive changing tides.
Ability
Speedy Escape
Wharf Louse can dart away quickly when disturbed because of its many legs, helping them avoid predators.
Ability
Regenerative Power
Wharf Louse can regrow lost legs or antennae if they are damaged, helping them recover from injury.
Measurements & details
- Length Mm
- 30 mm
- Weight G
- 0.5 g
- Lifespan Years
- 1.5 years
Diet & Feeding
These tiny creatures are important clean-up crew members, eating dead plants and organic bits.
Primary Foods
- decaying algae
- rotting wood
- organic detritus
- leaf litter
Foraging Method
- Scavenging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Sanderling
Calidris alba
Shore birds hunt them at low tide.
eaten by
Mummichog
Fundulus heteroclitus
Small fish snap them up in tide pools.
depends on
Sea Lettuce
Ulva lactuca
They scavenge on decaying algae for food.
Traits
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.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Marine WoodliceRock LouseSea Slater
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Wharf Louse?
30 mm
How much does Wharf Louse weigh?
0.5 g
How long does Wharf Louse live?
1.5 years
What does Wharf Louse eat?
These tiny creatures are important clean-up crew members, eating dead plants and organic bits.
Where is Wharf Louse usually found?
Coastal areas and rocky shorelines
How does Wharf Louse hunt?
Scavenging
Snap Map
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