Isopoda (Interim dataset)

Biological Records Centre

Description

This dataset is held by BRC on behalf of the British Myriapod and Isopod Group and the Non-marine Isopoda Recording Scheme and contains non-marine species of Isopoda (e.g. woodlice and water-slaters). The data are derived from both the 1985 atlas, (details below) and also from more recent 'post-atlas' records. It is hoped that the exposure of this interim dataset on the NBN Gateway will stimulate interest in the production of a new, updated atlas. Such a publication would include a large number of new records, with a view to also including these new records in a future version of this NBN Gateway dataset.

Geographic Description

This dataset contains records from Britain and Ireland. There is good coverage of England, reasonable coverage of most of Scotland and Wales and light coverage of Ireland.

Purpose

To provide distribution data for Isopoda species and also to provide data for inclusion in a new atlas.

Data quality

Certain Isopoda species may be easier to find than others in the field due to their size or habitat and this may bias counts towards these species. For the atlas dataset, sieving techniques for smaller species were used more widely in SE Britain, thus possibly affecting perceived diversity in N & W Britain, but this may only be a small effect. All records have been verified by competent members of the Scheme and those in the atlas dataset were validated by the Scheme organisers. More recent records were validated at BRC.

Methods

Species were surveyed using standard field methods. Some smaller specimens were found using sieving techniques. Data were collected on BRC recording cards and mainly input into electronic format at BRC.

Citation

Biological Records Centre ([Insert download year]). Isopoda (Interim dataset). Occurrence dataset on the NBN Atlas

Rights

CC-BY-NC

Digitised records