Bousfields Marsh Hopper

Scientific name

Microrchestia bousfeldi

Status in NSW

Vulnerable

Characteristics

Bousfield's Marsh Hopper is a small marine amphipod (a type of crustacean) found in the  supra-littoral zone where they shelter under rotted logs and mangrove debris at  South West Rocks Creek. It has relatively large eyes (approximately 1/3 of entire head length) in the few individuals collected.

A male Bousfields Marsh Hopper (Photo: R. Springthorpe)

A female Bousfields Marsh Hopper (Photo: R. Springthorpe)

Species similar in appearance

Microrchestia bousfeldi has morphological similarities to Microrchestia macrochela, one of the three other representatives in the genus Microrchestia.

Size

There is little documented information on the life-cycle or biology of Bousfield's Marsh Hopper; however individuals collected in surveys have been approximately 9-10 mm in length.

Distribution

Bousfield's Marsh Hopper has only been collected from a small isolated location in mangroves at South West Rocks Creek, New South Wales. The species has an extremely  limited distribution, and has not been located in other mangrove areas despite active searching.

Mangrove habitat

Habitat

There is little information on the biology or ecology of Bousfields Marsh Hopper. All species in the Microrchestia genus are restricted to mangrove swamps and salt marshes in eastern Australia, where they shelter under rotting logs and mangrove debris in the supra-littoral zone. Bousfields Marsh Hopper is considered to be a narrow-range endemic species, characterised by a limited geographic range and restricted habitat.

Mangrove habitat

Why is the Bousfields Marsh Hopper threatened?

  • The isolated population of this species may be impacted by urban development as well as pollution from a number of recreational activities, particularly boating.
  • Pollution from sources such as stormwater, pesticides, and oil residues can damage or alter the species’ habitat.
  • Increasing urbanisation can also contribute to habitat degradation and modification.

More information