Caecidotea

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Superorder: Peracarida
Order: Isopoda
Suborder: Asellota
Superfamily: Aselloidea
Family: Asellidae
Genus: Caecidotea

Images

Summary

Caecidotea is a genus of crustaceans within the Asellidae family, primarily consisting of blind isopods found in North America. With about 80 species in the U.S. and adjacent Canada, their identification often hinges on specific male anatomical features.

Physical Characteristics

Species in Caecidotea generally range from 5-15mm, with the largest species (C. jordani) reaching up to 30mm. Some smaller species do not exceed 4mm.Identification is often based on features of the male second pleopod.

Identification Tips

Capture images of: 1. A dorsal shot of the whole body showing pigmentation and body proportions. 2. A side shot of the claws (pereopod 1) to observe teeth arrangement on the palm. 3. A close-up of the underside of the telson, highlighting pleopods near the base which can assist in sexing individuals.

Habitat

Species can be found in surface waters, groundwater, or caves, depending on the species. Surface species are often located by sifting through aquatic vegetation and leaf debris.

Distribution

Endemic to North America, with ranges in: 1. Western range from BC to central California; 2. Southern range from central Mexico to Guatemala; 3. Eastern range from Oklahoma and Texas east to Nova Scotia and the Everglades. Some species have been introduced in Europe.

Evolution

The genus was originally created for blind isopods in North America but was later included in Asellus. It split off again to encompass all North American asellids except A. alaskensis.

Similar Taxa

Asellus

Misconceptions

Many resources incorrectly classify North American asellids as members of Asellus rather than Caecidotea, originating from taxonomic changes in the 1970s.