Wharf Roaches on Roosevelt Island

New York harbor is known for powerful tides with water level going up 6 feet high.

 Roosevelt island surrounded by the East river is a good place to observe tides any day of the year. 

It's also a great place to observe land critters that live only close by the water mark. 

Wharf Roach also known as water roach is a woodlouse-like isopod, scientific name Ligia exotica.

 Last months of the warm season are the best time to see Wharf Roaches. 

I see Wharf roaches climb up here only when the tide is high.

 Wharf roaches prefer to stay on rocks exposed to the water. 

Wharf roaches move incredibly fast, away from any shadow approaching them. 

I had to wait for a cloudy day to get a better shot at these arthropods.

 The best way to observe Wharf roaches is from a distance using a camera zoom. 

Here, on the water side of the fence, you can see them in huge numbers.

 Wharf roaches are harmless to people and actually beneficial to the coastal environment.

 As many other arthropods they feed on detritus, seaweed, algae and such.

 Local birds, small animals and even fish (giving opportunity) eat Wharf roaches. 

Occasionally, I see Wharf roaches run across the sidewalk.

 But they always return back closer to the water line.

Based on this observation, I assume that Wharf roaches would be an easy to keep cleaning crew for the land part of saltwater paludarium. 

And there is a good chance my Eastern newts would eat them too... 

Well, I am going to put Wharf roaches on my to do list for future projects. 

Please let me know if you have any experience with Wharf roaches. 

Have fun and happy adventures :)