Cirolanides texensis
This record describes Cirolanides texensis (species). Recorded family: Cirolanidae. Recorded order: Isopoda.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: artesian well, San Marcos, Hays Co., Texas
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Malacostraca
- Order
- Isopoda (Isopods)
- Suborder
- Cymothoida
- Family
- Cirolanidae
- Genus
- Cirolanides
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
widely reported from caves and phreatic groundwaters of the Edwards Plateau of Texas (Botosaneanu & Iliffe 2002)
Geographic Range
Edwards Plateau of Texas / nc. Mex. (Coahuila and Nuevo Leon) - Map (Botosaneanu & Iliffe 2002)
Seasonal Activity
yr round
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cirolanides texensis Benedict 1896
About Isopods: the wider group
Order-level background for Isopoda, the group containing Cirolanides texensis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Isopoda includes ~10,000 described species of woodlice, pill bugs, and sea slaters. Woodlice are the only crustaceans to have fully adapted to life on land. Pill bugs (roly-polies) can roll into a perfect ball for defense.
Ecological role of the group
Woodlice are critical soil decomposers, breaking down dead plant material and recycling calcium and other nutrients. They breathe through gill-like structures and require moist environments. Giant deep-sea isopods (Bathynomus) can grow up to 50cm long.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Woodlice are generally beneficial in gardens as decomposers, though they can occasionally damage seedlings and soft fruits in large numbers.
Recorded sources for this group: Soil ecology research, marine biology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Cirolanides texensis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Cirolanides texensis
What is Cirolanides texensis?
Cirolanides texensis is a species in the family Cirolanidae, within the order Isopoda.
How big is Cirolanides texensis?
17 mm (Richardson 1905)
Where is Cirolanides texensis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | widely reported from caves and phreatic groundwaters of the Edwards Plateau of Texas (Botosaneanu & Iliffe 2002) |
| Range | Edwards Plateau of Texas / nc. Mex. (Coahuila and Nuevo Leon) - Map (Botosaneanu & Iliffe 2002) |
When is Cirolanides texensis active?
Cirolanides texensis: seasonal activity - yr round.