Edriophthalma is a term used to describe a suborder of animals within the class Crustacea. It refers to creatures that have small eyes and are largely blind. The term is pronounced "ɛdriɑfˈθælmə", where the first syllable is stressed and the "o" in "ophthalma" is pronounced with an "a" sound. The word may seem daunting at first, but breaking it down into its component parts helps to understand its pronunciation. The prefix "edrio-" means "base" or "trunk", while "ophthalma" is derived from the Greek word for "eye".
Edriophthalma is a term derived from the Greek words "edrios," meaning "a tree," and "ophthalmos," meaning "an eye." In the field of zoology, particularly in the classification of arthropods, Edriophthalma refers to a suborder of crustaceans belonging to the class Malacostraca. These creatures are commonly known as "sessile-eyed" or "tree lobsters."
Members of the suborder Edriophthalma are characterized by their unique eye structure. Unlike other crustaceans, which typically possess compound eyes, Edriophthalma features sessile, non-stalked eyes. These eyes are typically situated on the animal's carapace or body, without the ability to move and independently focus on objects like compound eyes do.
The most notable member of the suborder Edriophthalma is the Lord Howe Island stick insect (Dryococelus australis), commonly referred to as the "tree lobster." Once believed to be extinct, these large, wingless insects can grow up to 15 centimeters in length and are known for their nocturnal behavior and herbivorous diet. They were previously endemic to Lord Howe Island in the Pacific Ocean but are currently found only on the nearby island of Ball's Pyramid due to the introduction of invasive species.
Edriophthalma represents a fascinating group of crustaceans, distinct from their close relatives. They are renowned for their distinct eye structure and ecological significance as some species play essential roles in their respective environments, making them subjects of scientific interest and conservation efforts.
The word "Edriophthalma" originates from Greek and is a combination of two Greek terms: "edrios", meaning "sitting" or "stationary", and "ophthalmos", meaning "eye". The term was coined in the early 19th century by French zoologist Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire to classify a group of crustaceans that have sessile or immobile eyes. In scientific classification, Edriophthalma refers to a suborder of decapod crustaceans, including various species of crabs and lobsters.