Acanthocephalan-intermediate-host
Guides
Caecidotea
Caecidotea is a genus of freshwater isopods in the family Asellidae, containing over 100 described species in North America. Species occupy diverse aquatic habitats including surface waters (ponds, streams) and subterranean environments (caves, aquifers). The genus has been extensively studied for parasite-host interactions, particularly involving acanthocephalan parasites that modify host behavior. Some species exhibit morphological adaptations to subterranean life including reduced eyes and pigmentation.