<i>Chaetophilosciasicula</i> Verhoeff, 1908 (Isopoda, Oniscidea), an invasive isopod currently spreading in North America.

ABSTRACT: Chaetophilosciasicula Verhoeff, 1908 (Philosciidae) is a small terrestrial isopod of Mediterranean origin which was first reported in North America in 2000 in an urban forest in Baltimore, Maryland, and it was thought to be a recent introduction, with a restricted range. Here we report the current state of knowledge of C.sicula distribution in North America. Since the original observation, the species has been reported by citizen scientists from eight additional states. Standardized field surveys in Maryland and Washington D.C. revealed a strong habitat preference towards anthropogenic and coastal areas. The affinity of C.sicula to urban environments, including residential areas and urban parks, is reinforced by citizen-science data and is most likely key to its fast s

SUBMITTER: Szlavecz K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11822364 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature