Sandhopper
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Sandhopper
Invertebrate
A tiny, jumping crustacean often found hiding under piles of seaweed on sandy beaches.
💡 Fun Facts
- They are tiny crustaceans that jump into the air when disturbed, just like fleas.
- They hide under rotting seaweed during the day to stay cool and damp.
- They help keep beaches clean by eating dead plants and animals.
Name Story
Talitrus saltator
means “the leaping finger-flicker”
What does its name mean?
- Talitrus — a flick of the fingerLatin talitrum
- saltator — leaper, jumper, dancerLatin saltare 'to leap/dance'
Both halves of its name mean 'jump'. Lift a clump of seaweed on the strandline and dozens of them burst upward and ping away in every direction, flicking themselves into the air like tiny springs.