noun
rhizocephalan; parasitic barnacle
Refers to a group of parasitic crustaceans that infect crabs and other decapods. The name literally means 'bag bug' or 'bag worm', describing the sac-like external reproductive organ of the female.
フクロムシはカニに寄生する甲殻類の一種だ。
Rhizocephalans are a type of crustacean that parasitizes crabs.
フクロムシに感染したカニは、行動が変わることが知られている。
Crabs infected with rhizocephalans are known to exhibit altered behavior.
Barnacles (フジツボ) are free-living filter feeders, while rhizocephalans (フクロムシ) are highly modified internal parasites of crustaceans.
From 袋 (ふくろ, 'bag') + 虫 (むし, 'bug, worm'), referring to the sac-like external structure of the female parasite. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.