Review and guide to the isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda) of littoral and sublittoral marine habitats in the Southern California Bight

Abstract

The isopod crustaceans reported from or expected to occur in littoral and sublittoral marine habitats of the Southern California Bight (SCB) in the northeastern Pacific Ocean are reviewed. A total of 190 species, representing 105 genera in 42 families and six suborders are covered. Approximately 84% of these isopods represent described species with the remaining 16% comprising well-documented “provisional” but undescribed species. Cymothoida and Asellota are the most diverse of the six suborders, accounting for ca. 36% and 29% of the species, respectively. Valvifera and Sphaeromatidea are the next most speciose suborders with between 13–15% of the species each, while the suborder Limnorioidea represents fewer than 2% of the SCB isopod fauna. Finally, the mostly terrestrial suborder Oniscidea accounts for ca. 5% of the species treated herein, each which occurs at or above the high tide mark in intertidal habitats. A key to the suborders and superfamilies is presented followed by nine keys to the SCB species within each of the resultant groups. Figures are provided for most species. Bathymetric range, geographic distribution, type locality, habitat, body size, and a comprehensive list of references are included for most species.