Jaera nordmanni (Rathke, 1837)

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 nordmanni is a distinctive species with a rounded, flattened body fringed by numerous setae. It is of a fairly uniform colour, lacking the white markings seen in members of the 'albifrons' group. The pointed, neck-tie shaped male preoperculum is diagnostic. Males up to 4.5mm, females up to 3.5mm. See further the Identifying Jaera page.