Biology

Anurida maritima is a cosmopolitan intertidal collembolan with a cylindrical body growing up to 3mm. It has a hydrophobic coat of fine hairs on the body acting as a waterproof layer. This layer also traps a layer of air for respiration during periods of immersion at high tide.

This small species is a very common scavenger to be seen on tidal marshes and rocky shores both alone and in congregations of up to 100. A.maritima exhibits a rafting behaviour on pools of still water using the hydrophobic nature of it's body covering to float across pools in search of food. A.maritima has a well defined tidal rhythm of activity. A large proportion of individuals emerge from their underground refuges shortly after the retreat of the tide, forage for a few hours and retire underground at least 1 hour before the return of the tide. A.maritima eats dead marine animals such as barnacles and bivalves.

Gallery

(This will open in a new page.)

TOP

References:

Collins pocket guide, Seashore of Britain & Europe, Peter Hayward, Tony Nelson-Smith, Chris Shields, 1996.

Handbook of the Marine Fauna of North-West Europe, Eds P.J.Hayward & J.S.Ryland, 2006.

Rowley, S.J., 2005. Anurida maritima. A springtail. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 05/02/2007]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Anuridamaritima.htm>