Some Data on the Terrestrial Isopods (Isopoda, Oniscidea) from a Wet Meadow near an Artificial Canal in North-Western Romania

We studied the terrestrial isopod fauna in a wet grassy area near an artificial canal in the northern part of the Western Plain, Romania, between April and September 2009. We identified five terrestrial isopod species: Hyloniscus riparius, Trachelipus arcuatus, T. rathkii, T. nodulosus and Armadillidium vulgare. The dominant species were T. rathkii, A. vulgare and T. nodulosus. Despite of the unforested character of the habitat, a sylvan species, T. arcuatus, was also present. This species could probably survive in the wet areas surrounding the canal following deforestation. The highest abundance was observed during the summer months, corresponding to the main activity period of females with marsupium.