New insights into the life-history of the isopod Edotia dahli (Valvifera: Idoteidae): report of host-use and distribution records in the central Chilean coast

Unreported aspects of the life-history of the isopod Edotia dahli are described based on intertidal collections carried out during 2002, 2005 and 2011 in 5 locations in central Chile (29-33°S; Pacific coast). Isopods were recorded for the first time living on 2 species of echinoderms, the sea-star Heliaster helianthus and the sea-urchin Arbacia sp. The observation of sea-urchins hosting isopods was casual (i.e., no formal samplings); however, nearly 20% of the sampled sea-stars hosted isopods (from 2 to > 100 individuals per host). This association was similar through years. Surveys also revealed that E. dahli was present at higher latitudes than those previously recorded in the central Chilean coast, extending the northern distribution range 3° to 29°S.