The influence of coastal zonation and meteorological variables on terrestrial isopod populations: a case study in western Sicily (Italy)

Abstract

Because of their biological and ecological characteristics terrestrial isopods are considered as bioindicators of ecosystem health and several studies have shown that their distribution and abundance are influenced by environmental factors, such as weather, soil texture, composition and vegetation structure. However, few quantitative data are available on the relationship between single species of terrestrial isopods, meteorological variables and coastal zonation. This study aims to clarify relationships between terrestrial isopod populations, coastal zones and weather conditions of a protected area in Sicily. The terrestrial isopods were sampled using pitfall traps, and we verified the association between each species abundance and three different (lower, medium and upper) coastal zones. Furthermore, we analyzed correlations between isopod abundances and meteorological conditions (temperature and precipitation). The results showed a close relationship between some isopod species and coastal zone types, as well as a positive correlation of most of the species abundances with temperature and a negative one with precipitation.