Ecology and Distribution

P. deltoides is found from the Sunshine coast in Queensland, all the way down the east coast of Australia and across the southern coast of South Australia. It has a very wide distribution though its habitat is fairly consistent. Found on sandy beaches with high energy wave activity, pipis dig down into the most sand 5-10 cm on average. Larger animals burrow deeper and are more commonly found closer to the low tide line while the juveniles are found further up the beach as shallower burrow depths.

Image 1: Map of Australia with distribution of P. deltoides marked in red

When abundant in a region they can easily be found with the naked eye while walking along the beach. Looking for divots or bulges in the sand you may find a recently burrowed individual. Small holes in the surface of the sand are also indicators that pipis may be present as they utilise the water flow for respiration.