General Description

Body cylindrical, with prominent antennae. The first four pairs of legs are thin and with rows of hairs; the last three pairs are more stubby and attach the animal. Top of head with distinct "bump" between the eyes, body up to 11 mm long.

Biology

Neastacilla species, commonly known as skeleton louse, are often overlooked in their natural surroundings because they resemble the algae in which they live. All species of this genus use the long hairs on the front legs to filter planktonic food from the water.

Distribution

Southern temperate oceans, including south-eastern Australia.

Habitat

Subtidal to depths of 115 m.

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