Diversity and composition of terestrial isopods (Crustacea: Isopoda) in Kaunas city

Abstract

Woodlice/terrestrial isopods are very widespread, quite easily identified crustaceans. They form a dominant component of the soil arthropod macro decomposer community in many different temperate habitats, like denes, pine forests, decidous forests, riversides, even in moist cellars. They feed on dead organic material and are key system regulators of the ecosystem functions of decomposition and nutrient recycling. Woodlice diversity was studied in five different biotopes in Kaunas city: mixed forest, leafy forest/park, coniferous wood/forest, grassland and anthropogenic area. All specimens were collected by pitfall trapping (also woodlice can be sampled be hand or extracted soil by heat and light). Over all 3 species of woodlice were found in choosen habitats .The number of isopods, which were collected during the exploration was —1251. The highest diversity was identified in mixed woodlands, there were found 2 species of woodlice, T.rathkii, P. scaber, not so high at pine forest compared with meadow, and no woodlice was collected at leafy forest/park. Porcellio scaber was abundant at all biotopes. Woodlice are also significant as bioindicators, like bioaccumulators of heavy metals, that’s why exploration af these crustaceans is important aim.