Invasion stages and potential distributions of seven exotic terrestrial isopods in Japan

Abstract

Evaluating potential distribution areas and limiting factors for the distribution of exotic species in invasive regions are essential to identify risks and protect the native ecosystem. However, less research has been conducted on the underground ecosystem than for above-ground. Factors, limiting the distributions of exotic terrestrial isopods, have been identified and their invasive stages and potential distribution areas in Japan evaluated. A database of distribution data has been developed for 17,412 terrestrial isopod specimens in Japan and two ecological niche models constructed using 19 bioclimatic variables; the regional model was calculated using data from Japan (invasive region) only, whereas a combination of data from Japan and North America (invasive regions) and Europe (native region) was used to construct the global model. The global model predicted that annual mean temperature and mean diurnal-temperature range were the important limiting factors for most exotic isopods. It was found thatArmadillidiumnasatumBudde-Lund, 1833,A.vulgareLatreille, 1804,HaplophthalmusdanicusBudde-Lund, 1880,PorcelliolaevisLatreille, 1804,P.scaberLatreille, 1804 andPorcellionidespruinosus(Brandt, 1833) were composed of stabilising and colonising populations, which enabled prediction of the future spread of distribution areas for these species in Japan.PorcelliodilatatusBrandt, 1833 was introduced in unstable environments and thus was found in fewer locations.