Other Free Encyclopedias :: Animal Life Resource :: Jellyfishes, Sponges, and Other Simple Animals

Girdle Wearers: Loricifera - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Bucket-tailed Loriciferan (rugiloricus Cauliculus): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, GIRDLE WEARERS AND PEOPLE, CONSERVATION STATUS

BUCKET-TAILED LORICIFERAN (Rugiloricus cauliculus): SPECIES ACCOUNT

GEOGRAPHIC RANGE

Girdle wearers live all over the world.

HABITAT

Girdle wearers live in the sea at all depths. They are common around the North Pole and the South Pole, especially in the deep sea. Girdle wearers live in the spaces between sand grains or in mud.

DIET

Girdle wearers eat algae and bacteria. Algae (AL-jee) are plantlike growths that live in water and have no true roots, stems, or leaves.

GIRDLE WEARERS AND PEOPLE

Scientists may be able to use girdle wearers as indicators of pollution.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

The lorica (luh-RYE-kuh) was the metal or leather plated body armor worn by Roman soldiers. The plated band or belt on loriciferans looks like this armor. In the old days a belt was called a girdle.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Girdle wearers are not considered threatened or endangered.