Talitrus saltator

Talitrus saltator
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Amphipoda
Family: Talitridae
Genus: Talitrus
Species:
T. saltator
Binomial name
Talitrus saltator
(Montagu, 1808) [1]
Synonyms

Talitrus locusta Sars, 1890 [2]

Talitrus saltator, a species of sand hopper, is a common amphipod crustacean of sandy coasts around Europe. The animal's typical "hopping" movement gives it its common name, and is produced by a flexion of the abdomen.[3] In order to do this, it must stand on its legs (amphipods usually rest on their sides) and suddenly extend its abdomen from under its body.[4] It can thus leap several inches into the air,[5] although without any control over its direction.[4] A great deal of scientific research has been carried out on the animal, to determine the environmental cues which it uses to control its behavior.[4]

  1. ^ "Talitrus saltator". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved October 5, 2010.
  2. ^ Denise Bellan-Santini (December 21, 2004). "Talitrus saltator (Montagu, 1808)". MarBEF Data System. European Register of Marine Species.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference BBC was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Marlin was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ "Sand-hopper". University of South Florida.