Talitrus saltator, a species of
sand hopper, is a common
amphipod crustacean of sandy coasts around
Europe. The animal's typical "hopping" movement gives the animal its
common name, and is produced by a
flexion of the
abdomen. In order to do this, it must stand on its legs (amphipods usually rest on their sides) and suddenly extend its abdomen out from under its body. It can thus leap several inches into the air, although without any control over its direction. A great deal of
scientific research has been carried out on the animal, to determine the environmental cues it uses to control its
behaviour.