Taxon Description (Wikipedia)
Talitrus saltator, a species of sand hopper, is a common amphipod crustacean of sandy coasts around Europe. The animal's typical "hopping" movement gives the animal its common name, and is produced by a flexion of the abdomen
. In order to do this, it must stand on its legs (amphipods usually rest on their sides) and suddenly extend its abdomen out from under its body
. It can thus leap several inches into the air
[ ], although without any control over its direction
. A great deal of scientific research has been carried out on the animal, to determine the environmental cues it uses to control its behaviour
.
full article at Wikipedia
