Aselloidea

Latreille, 1802

Waterslaters and allies

Family Guides

2

Aselloidea is a superfamily of freshwater and subterranean isopods within the suborder Asellota. Members are primarily aquatic, with many lineages adapted to life in groundwater, caves, and karst systems. The superfamily includes such as Asellidae (common freshwater isopods), Stenasellidae, and Atlantasellidae. Some representatives exhibit remarkable morphological specializations for subterranean existence, including reduced and elongated appendages.

Damaeus by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.Epidermoptidae by (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet. Used under a CC-BY license.Psoroptidae by (c) Oleksii Vasyliuk, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Oleksii Vasyliuk. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aselloidea: /ˌæsɛˈlɔɪdiə/

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Habitat

Freshwater environments including surface streams, springs, and subterranean waters. Multiple within Aselloidea are specialized for life in caves, karst systems, and groundwater . The family Atlantasellidae has been documented from flooded coastal karst with submerged decaying wood.

Distribution

Widespread in freshwater systems globally. Documented occurrences include the Caribbean region (Dominican Republic, Bermuda), Europe, and other temperate and tropical regions. Specific distribution varies by ; Stenasellidae occurs in subterranean waters of Europe and other regions.

Behavior

Some lineages exhibit burrowing adapted to subterranean environments. Biological rhythms in subterranean representatives are synchronized with flooding events rather than circadian cues. One , Atlantasellus dominicanus, exhibits volvation (rolling into a ball) and locomotory behaviors specialized for life on submerged wood in cave waters.

Similar Taxa

  • GnathostenetroidoideaAnother superfamily within Asellota; distinguished by different mandibular and maxilliped morphologies
  • StenetrioideaSuperfamily within Asellota; differs in body plan and preferences, with less emphasis on subterranean specialization

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