Sphaeroma papillae
This record describes Sphaeroma papillae (species). Recorded family: Sphaeromatidae. Recorded order: Isopoda.
Identification and Appearance
Only overlaps in range with Cassidinidea ovalis and Sphaeroma quadridentatum , see for specific features to tell them apart:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Malacostraca
- Order
- Isopoda (Isopods)
- Suborder
- Sphaeromatidea
- Superfamily
- Sphaeromatoidea
- Family
- Sphaeromatidae (Typical Seapills)
- Genus
- Sphaeroma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
intertidal zones with direct influence with freshwater and at least fist-sized rocks, the isopods will be under the rocks
Geographic Range
Reported from western Long Island and somewhere on Cape Cod, may be endemic to the region
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphaeroma papillae (Bayliff 1938)
About Isopods: the wider group
Order-level background for Isopoda, the group containing Sphaeroma papillae. 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 Sphaeroma papillae (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Hunt; Additional contributions by Astrobirder
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphaeroma papillae
What is Sphaeroma papillae?
Sphaeroma papillae is a species in the family Sphaeromatidae, within the order Isopoda.
How do you identify Sphaeroma papillae?
Only overlaps in range with Cassidinidea ovalis and Sphaeroma quadridentatum , see for specific features to tell them apart:
Where is Sphaeroma papillae found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | intertidal zones with direct influence with freshwater and at least fist-sized rocks, the isopods will be under the rocks |
| Range | Reported from western Long Island and somewhere on Cape Cod, may be endemic to the region |