Anthropogenic-habitats
Guides
Chaetophiloscia sicula
Chaetophiloscia sicula is a small (~6 mm) terrestrial isopod native to the northern Mediterranean region. First recorded in North America in 2000 in Baltimore, Maryland, it has since spread to at least nine U.S. states and Washington D.C., primarily through human-aided dispersal associated with urban environments. The species exhibits strong habitat preferences for anthropogenic settings such as gardens and urban parks, as well as coastal areas including upper sandy beaches and jetties. Its rapid expansion across North America and Europe is facilitated by affinity to moist, disturbed habitats and potential transport via the pet trade and potted plants.