Skeleton Louse

Neastacilla sp.

Systematics: Isopoda Family Arcturidae

Distinguishing Characters:
The body is cylindrical, up to 10 mm long, with prominent antennae. The first four pairs of legs are thin and with rows of hairs; the last three pairs are more stubby and attach the animal. The body bends between the elongate fourth body segment and the fifth.

Habitat and Distribution:
This species lives attached to pink coralline algae in subtidal marine environments.

General Biology:
This is one of many species of undescribed skeleton lice in southern Australia. All use the long hairs on the front legs to filter planktonic food from the water. Skeleton louse are often overlooked in their natural surroundings because they resemble the algae in which they live. To see how well they camouflage themselves click on the subheading "General Biology".

Feedback and queries should be sent to the Discovery Centre at Museum Victoria.
Please note, the Discovery Centre can help you only with questions about crustaceans from southeastern Australia. It can not advise on the care of pet hermit crabs or on crustaceans from other regions.