Socorro isopod facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thermosphaeroma thermophilum |
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Sphaeromatidae
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Thermosphaeroma
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T. thermophilum
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| Thermosphaeroma thermophilum Richardson, 1897
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The Socorro isopod (scientific name: Thermosphaeroma thermophilum) is a tiny crustacean. It's like a small, freshwater cousin to the pill bugs you might see in your garden! This special creature used to live only in a warm spring in New Mexico, United States. It is also sometimes called the Socorro sowbug.
Contents
Home and History of the Socorro Isopod
Where the Socorro Isopod Lived
The Socorro isopod naturally lived in the warm waters of Sedillo Spring. This spring is located in Socorro County, New Mexico. The water in their natural home was quite warm, usually between 26 and 33 degrees Celsius (79 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit).
How Their Home Changed
In 1947, something big happened that changed the isopods' home. The spring was redirected to provide drinking water for the city of Socorro. This meant the isopods ended up living in an old water pipe. This pipe led to a horse trough and two small, old concrete pools.
The Wild Population Disappears
Sadly, in 1988, the wild population of Socorro isopods died out. A tree root broke the water pipe. This stopped the water flow to the concrete pools where they lived. Without water, the isopods could not survive.
Bringing Them Back
Even though the wild isopods were gone, some were kept in special places. These "captive populations" were bred to help save the species. They were then reintroduced into eight new concrete pools near the original spring. This effort helped to bring the Socorro isopod community back.
As of 2006, these special isopods are still cared for in a few places. You can find captive populations at the Albuquerque Biological Park, the Minnesota Zoo, and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Laboratory in Santa Fe. They are also studied by the Department of Biology at New Mexico Tech.
Socorro Isopod Behavior
What Socorro Isopods Eat
Researchers have studied what Thermosphaeroma thermophilum eat. In 1997, they found something interesting about their diet. Female isopods were observed eating plants and other vegetation.
Unusual Eating Habits
Scientists also discovered that male Socorro isopods sometimes eat females. This behavior is called cannibalism. It means one animal eats another animal of the same species.
See also
In Spanish: Thermosphaeroma thermophilum para niños
