Intertidal marine isopods

Intertidal marine isopods

Intertidal marine isopods Synopsis is the second edition of this iconic Synopsis, replacing Naylor (1972)

The isopods are a ubiquitous order of crustaceans. This volume covers those isopods which occur between high tide and low tide, especially on rocky shores. Also included are all species that occur to a maximum depth of 50 metres from the shore. Many of these predominantly sub-littoral species are occasionally exposed on very low tides, or they may be washed ashore amond detached algae.

Other marine isopods occur in estuaries, on the sea floor or among seaweeds. Most species are substrate-specific and only occasionally swim. A few species are of economic importance. For example, some species of Limnoria tunnel through wood, and can cause extensive damage to docks and pilings. Isopods are, of course, also abundant in many terrestrial habitats.

Synopses of the British Fauna is a series of identification guides. Each volume in the series is a detailed account of a group of animals. They bridge the gap between standard field guides and more specialised monograph or treatise. Since 1993 the the Field Studies Council has published these guides on behalf of the Linnean Society.

These volumes are suitable for the lab or field. The editors aim to keep them as user friendly as possible, with technical terminology at a minimum and a glossary of terms. However the complexity of the subject matter makes the books more suitable for the more experienced practitioner.