LIGIIDAE, Leach, 1814

Mead, A., Carlton, J. T., Griffiths, C. L. & Rius, M., 2011, Introduced and cryptogenic marine and estuarine species of South Africa, Journal of Natural History 45 (39 - 40), pp. 2463-2524 : 2483

Family LIGIIDAE

Ligia exotica Roux, 1828 Cryptogenic

This semi-terrestrial isopod, now widely reported from harbours around the world, was first recorded in South Africa by Barnard (1932). It was also reported only several years earlier from Namibia ( Panning 1924, as Deutsch-Sudwestafrika, or German Southwest Africa). It is now found along the east coast of South Africa (KwaZulu- Natal). Although originally described from the Mediterranean coast of France, and although Van Name (1936) stated that it was “undoubtedly of Old World origin”, its native range is not yet known, pending global genetic analyses. Given its semiterrestrial nature, we consider dry ballast or dunnage to be the most likely vectors since the earliest days of wooden sailing vessels.