MarLIN

information on the biology of species and the ecology of habitats found around the coasts and seas of the British Isles

An amphipod (Allomelita pellucida)

Distribution data supplied by the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS). To interrogate UK data visit the NBN Atlas.

Researched byAndrew Hosie Refereed byAdmin
Authority(Sars, 1882)
Other common names- SynonymsMelita pellucida

Summary

Description

Allomelita pellucida, is a small (up to 6 mm) intertidal species, found in the Northern Atlantic. The body of Allomelita pellucida is laterally compressed, as is typical for amphipods, and the head lacks a rostrum, the gnathopods are subchelate, the second pair being much larger than the first. The urosome dorsal posterior margin lacks spines and the telson is cleft.

Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland

A sparsely recorded species, Allomelita pellucida, is widespread around the British Isles including the St Andrew's Bay, Cullercoats, Hampshire, Southern Ireland and Isle of Man.

Global distribution

Found in the northern Artlantic from Portugal to Norway.

Habitat

Allomelita pellucida is an intertidal species which can be found in brackish waters usually living as a part of interstitial or epibenthic communities of soft sediments.

Depth range

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Identifying features

  • Head without rostrum.
  • Second gnathopod larger than first, especially in males, subchelate.
  • Dorsal posterior margin of the urosomal segments without spines.
  • Telson cleft but not entirely split.

Additional information

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Listed by

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Further information sources

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Bibliography

    Citation

    This review can be cited as:

    Hosie, A.M. 2008. Allomelita pellucida An amphipod. In Tyler-Walters H. and Hiscock K. (eds) Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Reviews, [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Available from: http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/2221

    Last Updated: 16/10/2008