Synonyms
ID Difficulty
Identification
Jaera are small, ubiquitous intertidal marine isopods which can be identified to species by the examination of male reproductive structures (specifically the preoperculum) and pereopods. Preopercula can be examined using a binocular dissecting microscope, but examination of pereopods is best done using a compound microscope at low power.
Jaera hopeana is a small ectocommensal species (males 1.5mm, females up to 2.0mm). The male preoperculum is diagnostic, having narrow, long arms. See further the Identifying Jaera page.