Ligia

Ligia is a genus of isopods, commonly known as rock lice or sea slaters.

The semi-terrestrial sea slaters (Ligia spp.) can run rapidly on land and many terrestrial species can roll themselves into a ball when threatened, a feature that has evolved independently in different groups and also in the marine sphaeromatids.

Most Ligia species live in tidal zone cliffs and rocky beaches, but there are several fully terrestrial species in high humidity environments.

Most Ligia species live in tidal zone cliffs and rocky beaches, but there are several fully terrestrial species in high humidity environments.

While they have gills and can exchange gas under water, they only do so when escaping terrestrial predators or being dislodged by wave action.

While they have gills and can exchange gas under water, they only do so when escaping terrestrial predators or being dislodged by wave action.

They are well adapted to rocky surfaces and avoid sand which opens them to terrestrial predation and desiccation.