Jaera albifrons
This record describes Jaera albifrons (species). Recorded family: Janiridae. Recorded order: Isopoda.
Identification and Appearance
See: and A Monograph on the Isopods of North America Can only be told from other members of the complex by the combination of the first to fourth male walking legs being normal and the sixth and seventh male walking legs with large lobes on the distal interior margin of the second to last segment
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
St. Lawrence Estuary to Long Island (both the species and the complex), appears to be common in the Gulf of Maine
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Jaera (Jaera) albifrons (Leach 1814) A synonym, Jaera marina, was described by Fabricus in 1780 as Oniscus marina (in the same genus as Oniscus asellus; Jaera and Oniscus are now in different suborders). It is a synomyn of the entire complex
About Isopods: the wider group
Order-level background for Isopoda, the group containing Jaera albifrons. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaera albifrons
What is Jaera albifrons?
Jaera albifrons is a species in the family Janiridae, within the order Isopoda.
How do you identify Jaera albifrons?
See: and A Monograph on the Isopods of North America Can only be told from other members of the complex by the combination of the first to fourth male walking legs being normal and the sixth and seventh male walking legs with large lobes on the distal interior margin of the second to last segment
Where is Jaera albifrons found?
Range: St. Lawrence Estuary to Long Island (both the species and the complex), appears to be common in the Gulf of Maine