On sand or rock

 

Meet Ligia occidentalis, a high intertidal isopod that can be found on sandy beaches and rocky cliffs along the Sonoma Coast. 

Recently we were appreciating how well they blend in with sand (above) as well as rock (below).  Can you spot the isopod in the next photo?  [It's the same individual in both photos.]

 

Above, the isopod is just right of center at the sand/rock interface. 

Here's a zoomed in view so you can see it a little better:

 

Watch for these intriguing isopods scurrying along the upper beach, and especially near cracks and crevices in high intertidal rocks.