# The terrestrial isopod fauna (Isopoda, Oniscidea) of Abrau Peninsula, north-west Caucasus, Russia

## TL;DR

This study documents the woodlice species found on the Abrau Peninsula in Russia, identifying several new species to the region.

## Contribution

Five new species are reported for the first time in the Russian fauna, expanding knowledge of terrestrial isopod biodiversity.

## Key findings

- The study identified 25 species of woodlice across 15 families in the Abrau Peninsula.
- Five species are newly recorded for the Russian fauna, including Tyloseuropaeus and Acaeroplastesmelanurus.
- The fauna is predominantly Mediterranean with 12% endemics, suggesting unique biodiversity.

## Abstract

From 2001 to 2022, the woodlice fauna of Abrau Peninsula, north-west Caucasus, Russia was examined. The collections yielded 5,581 specimens, which belong to 25 species, 19 genera, and 15 families. The most diverse families are Cylisticidae, Platyarthridae, Trachelipodidae, and Trichoniscidae, each with three species. The most diverse genera are Platyarthrus and Trachelipus. Five species have been noticed to the Russian fauna for the first time: Tyloseuropaeus, Acaeroplastesmelanurus, Platyarthruscaudatus, Buddelundiellacataractae, and Armadillidiumcf.marmoratum. The fauna of the Abrau Peninsula is predominantly Mediterranean and with a high percentage of endemics (12%). Further records are expected with more detailed studies of especially the family Trichoniscidae.