Ecological and zoogeographical significance of terrestrial isopods from the Carei Plain natural reserve (Romania)

Abstract

In the Carei Plain natural reserve we identified 15 terrestrial isopod species: Haplophthalmus mengii, Haplophthalmus danicus, Hyloniscus riparius, Hyloniscus transsylvanicus, Plathyarthrus hoffmannseggii, Cylisticus convexus, Porcellionides pruinosus, Protracheoniscus politus, Trachelipus arcuatus, Trachelipus nodulosus, Trachelipus rathkii, Porcellium collicola, Porcellio scaber, Armadillidium vulgare and Armadillidium versicolor. The highest species diversity is found in wetlands, while the lowest is in plantations and forests. On the Carei Plain, there are some terrestrial isopods that are normally connected with higher altitudes. Moreover, some sylvan species are present in the open wetlands. Unlike marshes, sand dunes present anthropophilic and invasive species. The diversity of the terrestrial isopods from the Carei Plain protected area is high due to the habitats? diversity and the history of this area. Thus, the composition of the terrestrial isopod communities from the area underlines its distinct particularities, emphasizing the necessity of preserving the natural habitats.