Idotea (Idotea) fewkesi

 
Synonyms:
Phylum Arthropoda
 Subphylum Crustacea 
  Class Malacostraca
   Subclass Eumalacostraca
    Superorder Peracarida
     Order Isopoda
      Suborder Valvifera
       Family Idoteidae
Top view of an Idotea (Idotea) fewkesi found on Beach 4. 
(Photo by: Dave Cowles, July 2002)
Description:  These isopods are narrow and elongate.  They reach about 42 mm in length and have a telson with right lateral angles and an acute median spine.  Colors of these isopods may vary and this may be due to the habitat in which they choose to live. The maxiilliped consists of 4 articles and the pleon consists of 2 free pleonites plus the pleotelson, which has a pair of lateral incisions indicating the posterior limits of another partly free pleonite.

How to Distinguish from Similar Species:  They have a telson similar to Idotea stenops and the Idotea schmitti.  However, I. fewkesi  are far more narrow and elongated.

Geographical Range:  Alaska to central California

Depth Range:  Commonly found in the subtidal zone (8-12 meters) although a few may be found in the intertidal zone.

Habitat:  Live on algae on exposed rocky coasts or subtidally.

Biology/Natural History:  Females appear to be ovigerous in July and October.  Not much can be said about these subtidal isopods.  Their pigmentation may be affected by the substrate on which they live.


 
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References:

Dichotomous Keys:

Kozloff, 1987


General References:
Morris, Abbott, and Haderlie, 1980

Scientific Articles:


General Notes and Observations:  Locations, abundances, unusual behaviors, etc.:
 


Authors and Editors of Page:
Created original page: Heidee Leno (2002)
Edited by: Hans Helmstetler  11-2002