Description

 Pycnogonum littorale has a stout body up to 5 mm in long, although considerable variation in adult sizes may occur. The body of the female is a pale white or cream, while that of the smaller males is darker, often pale brown. The dorsal and lateral surfaces are covered with tubercles, made of a pore-like structure that is surrounded by concentric rows of irregularly positioned short spines. The conically shaped proboscis tapers abruptly and is never longer than the trunk. Pycnogonum littorale have short, legs, slightly shorter than the length of the body and terminate in strongly curved claws, however no auxiliary claws are present. Nine segmented ovigers occur only in the males of this species.Breeding generally occurs between spring and autumn and the males and females remain clinging to each other in the mating position for up to 5 weeks. Following mating the male carries the eggs for several weeks (King, 1974).