 © Sinclair Stammers / naturepl.com back to top Facts
back to top StatusNot threatened (2). back to top DescriptionThe common sea slater is a sea-shore relative of woodlice that can grow up to 3 cm in length (3). It has a flattened, oval-shaped body that is grey to olive in colour and twice as long as it is broad. It has long antennae, seven pairs of walking legs and two projections at the tip of the abdomen, known as uropods. The black eyes are very large and obvious, and are similar to the compound eyes found in insects (4). back to top Range
You can view distribution information for this back to top HabitatFound on rocky coasts beneath stones and in crevices on the upper shore (2). back to top BiologyThe common sea slater is an omnivore, and emerges at night to feed on seaweed and detritus (2). Maturity has been recorded to occur by one year of age, but in most cases breeding will not begin until the sea slater is at least two years old. Breeding takes place in spring and summer. Most individuals only breed once, and have a life span of around two and a half to three years (2). back to top ThreatsThis species is not threatened at present. back to top ConservationConservation action is not required for this species (4). back to top Further Information
Ballerstedt, S., (2002) Ligia oceanica. Common sea slater. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Available from:
There may be further information about this species Authentication back to top References
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