6 - Sphaeromatidae::“Cute As Buttons”

246 MICROCERBER1DEA • ONISCIDEA
Yvesia Coineau and Botosaneanu, 1973
Yvesia striata Coineau and Botosaneanu, 1973
Figure 105F-H
DIAGNOSIS 9 1.6 mm. Antennal peduncular articles 2 and 3 smooth, lack­
ing spinous processes. Maxillipedal palp articles 2 and 3 enlarged. Bases of
pereopods unarmed, lacking spinous processes. Propodus of percopod 1 with
single smooth proximal spine. Body having longitudinal ventrolateral striae.
RECORDS Oriente, Cuba, interstitial on beach.
Suborder Oniscidea Latreille, 1803
DIAGNOSIS Compound eyes usually present. Antennules usually very short.
Antennae with 4- or 5-articulate peduncle; flagellum varying from few arti­
cles to multiarticulate. Mandibular palp present. Distal articles of maxillipe­
dal palp often reduced. Coxae of pereonites 1—7 usually distinct, expanded.
Pleopods respiratory, often with pseudotrachea; 6 with pleopod 2, and
sometimes pleopod 1 as well, modified for copulation. Uropods terminal or
subterminal with terete rami, or ventral and opercular, with reduced rami.
REMARKS The Oniscidea includes all the isopods that have successfully in­
vaded the terrestrial environment. While still in some degree reliant on exter­
nal moisture, their morphological and behavioral adaptations have allowed
them to live in almost all terrestrial habitats, from hot, dry deserts, through
tropical rainforests and grasslands, to cold-temperate niches. Several forms
have successfully inveigled themselves into termite or ant colonies, where
with varying degrees of morphological adaptations they take advantage of
the security of these habitats. A small number of species have evolved to live
in more constantly wet habitats. Several species may be found in the marine
intertidal, either living in and under piles of decomposing litter along the
high-tide line, digging into beach sand, or sheltering in the damp cracks and
crevices of rocky shores. A few may also be found in mangrove swamps.
A breakdown of families, genera, and species is not provided for this sub­
order, but those few species that are commonly encountered in intertidal
habitats are dealt with individually. Schultz (1974, 1984) records several
oniscidean isopods from the Caribbean area.