Freshwater-isopod
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.
Caecidotea racovitzai
Caecidotea racovitzai is a small freshwater isopod in the family Asellidae, originally described as Asellus racovitzai by Williams in 1970. This species belongs to a genus primarily composed of subterranean and groundwater-dwelling crustaceans. Records indicate it has been documented in the United States, specifically in Vermont. Like other members of Caecidotea, it is likely associated with groundwater habitats such as caves, springs, or interstitial environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Caecidotea racovitzai racovitzai
Caecidotea racovitzai racovitzai is a subspecies of freshwater isopod in the family Asellidae. It was originally described as Asellus racovitzai racovitzai by Williams in 1970. The subspecies is known from Vermont, United States. As a member of the genus Caecidotea, it inhabits freshwater environments.
Caecidotea tomalensis
Tomales Bay isopod
Caecidotea tomalensis is a freshwater isopod in the family Asellidae, commonly known as the Tomales Bay isopod. It is known from California, United States, and is one of relatively few described species in the genus Caecidotea. The species was described in 1877 by Harford. Like other asellid isopods, it is likely benthic and adapted to aquatic environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Lirceus
Flat Waterslaters
Lirceus is a genus of freshwater isopod crustaceans in the family Asellidae, commonly known as flat waterslaters. The genus contains at least 18 described species distributed across southern Canada and the eastern United States, extending westward to the Great Plains. Many species inhabit caves and springs, particularly in the Interior Highlands region (Ozark and Ouachita Mountains), while others occupy surface streams and leaf pack habitats. Two species are listed as endangered or vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.