Pale beach hopper* • Megalorchestia columbiana
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Photos by Kelly Fretwell (top), Jennifer Walker (left) and Mary Vasey (right). Note the somewhat butterfly-shaped dorsal markings.
Identification
This small crustacean is pale grey with dark "butterfly" dorsal markings. It reaches 2 cm long, and like other amphipods its body is laterally compressed and elongated, making it look a bit like a miniature shrimp. Its antennae are similar in colour to the rest of its body.
Habitat & Range
This amphipod can be found in large numbers in and around sea wrack (decaying seaweed and other washed up marine matter) in the high intertidal. Like other amphipods, the pale beach hopper finds both food and shelter among wrack lines. Its range extends from southern Alaska to central California.
Similar Species
Other common beach hoppers found in the Pacific Northwest are the bright pink Maera danae, Megalorchestia californiana (distinguished by its bright red antennae and larger size), and the darker grey or brown Traskorchestia traskiana. The pale beach hopper is most likely to be confused with the latter, but it can still usually be distinguished by its lighter colouring and its dorsal markings.
Intriguing Info
Amphipods such as the pale beach hopper play a major role in breaking down algae and other detritus that washes ashore as marine wrack.
*Note that other marine amphipods are also referred to as beach hoppers, as well as sand hoppers and beach fleas (though they do not bite).
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/345336-Megalorchestia-columbiana
This small crustacean is pale grey with dark "butterfly" dorsal markings. It reaches 2 cm long, and like other amphipods its body is laterally compressed and elongated, making it look a bit like a miniature shrimp. Its antennae are similar in colour to the rest of its body.
Habitat & Range
This amphipod can be found in large numbers in and around sea wrack (decaying seaweed and other washed up marine matter) in the high intertidal. Like other amphipods, the pale beach hopper finds both food and shelter among wrack lines. Its range extends from southern Alaska to central California.
Similar Species
Other common beach hoppers found in the Pacific Northwest are the bright pink Maera danae, Megalorchestia californiana (distinguished by its bright red antennae and larger size), and the darker grey or brown Traskorchestia traskiana. The pale beach hopper is most likely to be confused with the latter, but it can still usually be distinguished by its lighter colouring and its dorsal markings.
Intriguing Info
Amphipods such as the pale beach hopper play a major role in breaking down algae and other detritus that washes ashore as marine wrack.
*Note that other marine amphipods are also referred to as beach hoppers, as well as sand hoppers and beach fleas (though they do not bite).
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/345336-Megalorchestia-columbiana
References
Adams, M. J. (2006). Traskorchestia traskiana (Beach hopper). Intertidal Organisms EZ-ID Guides. Sound Water Stewards. Freeland, W.A. Accessed 21/12/2015.
Bartlett, K. (2008). Amphipod Care. Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. Bamfield, BC. Sound Water Stewards.
Carefoot, T. Learn About Amphipods. A Snail's Odyssey. Accessed 21/12/2015.
Harbo, R. M. (1999). Whelks to whales: Coastal marine life of the Pacific Northwest. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. P.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell (2015).
Adams, M. J. (2006). Traskorchestia traskiana (Beach hopper). Intertidal Organisms EZ-ID Guides. Sound Water Stewards. Freeland, W.A. Accessed 21/12/2015.
Bartlett, K. (2008). Amphipod Care. Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. Bamfield, BC. Sound Water Stewards.
Carefoot, T. Learn About Amphipods. A Snail's Odyssey. Accessed 21/12/2015.
Harbo, R. M. (1999). Whelks to whales: Coastal marine life of the Pacific Northwest. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. P.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell (2015).
