About Pycnogonum stearnsi Ives, 1883
Pycnogonum stearnsi reaches approximately 2.5 centimeters, or 1 inch, in length. It has a head with a large proboscis and a segmented body. Unlike most sea spiders, this species does not have chelicerae or pedipalps, and instead uses its barrel-shaped proboscis to feed. It has no eyes or spiny processes. It has four pairs of stout walking legs that end in claws; males additionally have a short extra pair of legs at the front that they use to carry eggs. Its body color is plain white or cream, and it may sometimes have a pinkish or buff tinge. This sea spider is found in the north-east Pacific Ocean. Its distribution ranges from British Columbia south to California, and it also occurs in Japan, being most common in California. It inhabits areas from the mid shore down to the low water mark, where it hides under rocks or inside dead barnacle shells. It is often found close to its prey: the sea anemones Anthopleura sola, Anthopleura xanthogrammica, Anthopleura elegantissima, and Metridium senile; the hydroids Obelia and Aglaophenia; and the sea squirt Clavelina. It feeds by pushing its proboscis into its prey and sucking out the animal's fluids, which leaves the prey flaccid but still alive.
