Habitat Preferences and Interspersion of Species within the Superspecies Jaera albifrons Leach (Crustacea: Isopoda)

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Abstract
Habitat preferences are described for members of the superspecies Jaera albifrons in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire. J. a. albifrons Leach was most common on sheltered shores, usually beneath stones in wet areas at around HWN, but occasionally on algae, particularly on the lower shore. J. a. ischiosetosa Forsman was the most euryhaline species, occurring beneath stones in strong streams flowing over sheltered shores, usually above LWN. J. a. forsmani was perhaps the least euryhaline species, occurring more at the mouth of the estuary, beneath stones in well-drained areas from HWN to LWS. J. a. praehirsuta ranged from HWS to LWS on sheltered shores, was most common at HWN and below, among algae, but also occurred under stones, particularly on the upper shore. It was markedly euryhaline, tolerating almost fully marine shores and freshwater streams on the shore. Despite ecological preferences there was considerable species interspersion, usually with at least 3 species occurring on one shore and often with 2 species beneath the same stone. These species are evidently distinct and hybrids are rare despite extensive sympatry. A binomial system of nomenclature is proposed, replacing the previous trinomial system, and the status of J. a. syei is considered to be worthy of further investigation.

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