Texas crab louse [Cancrincola texanus]
Description
Cancrincola texanus, commonly known as the Texas crab louse, is a species of crab louse found in North America. It is a small, parasitic crustacean that lives on the gills of its host, the blue crab. It is distinguishable by its white color and the unique shape of its thorax, which has a central bulge and two lateral depressions. It is most commonly found in salt and brackish waters.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Harpacticoida
Harpacticoida
|
| Family |
Cancrincolidae
Cancrincolidae
|
| Genus |
Cancrincola
Cancrincola
|