| Name: |
Sand Flea (Beach Flea) |
| AKA: |
Hop-a-long |
| Scientific Name: |
Orchestia agilis |
| Description: |
Less than 1/8 inch; long shrimp-like creatures. This
is not an insect but an amphipod - (crustacean). They are pale to
brownish in color with elongated bodies consisiting of 7 body segments
which bears long leg-like appendages used for swimming or jumping
in the sand. They are known to jump up to 20 inches. |
| Diet: |
Organic and decaying plant material (such as seaweeds
on the beach). Sand fleas will appear in large numbers after seaweed
washes to shore. |
| Habitat: |
Abundant in decaying seaweed along coastal areas high
tide mark. |
| Wanted For: |
Annoying beachgoers especially in the evening and night
time hours when they will jump onto your feet, ankles or anything
that is within 10 inches of the sand. |
| Last Known Location: |
Last Known Location: The sandy beach. |
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