Beachgoers in Southern California are being targeted by swarms of tiny, aggressive bugs with an appetite for human legs. The bugs, which have earned the nickname “mini sharks,” have been identified as water-line isopods (Excirolana chiltoni), a species of crustacean that grows to about 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) long and can form swarms of more than 1,000 individuals, according to Walla Walla University in Washington. TROPICAL STORM DANIELLE FORMES IN ATLANTIC OCEAN, NO THREAT TO DRY AT PRESENT A close-up of water line isopods (Excirolana chiltoni). (Hakai Institute) The “mini-sharks” live in the shallow waters of the Pacific Ocean and seasonally migrate up and down the coast, leaving beachgoers squirming in their wake. The bugs are quick to find barefoot waders and will bite their flesh, drawing blood. Since the animals are so small, the bites are tiny but painful like a pinprick. Experts recommend that quick shuffling of the legs reduces but does not eliminate the number of bites. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP People who have been attacked by the isopods describe the bite as “painful” and “surprising”, noting how the bugs looked like a group of tiny piranhas had attacked their feet and ankles. Those who were attacked noticed that the pain disappeared after 15 to 20 minutes. Southern California beaches have not issued any warnings to swimmers at this point. Sarah Rumpf is a digital production assistant at Fox News. You can reach her on Twitter at @rumpfsarahc
