DNA Barcoding of Austrian woodlice (Isopoda)
Woodlice (Isopoda) are key players of terrestrial soil ecosystems. Although woodlice have been intensely studied in the past, the last extensive revisions of the Austrian fauna date back to the 1940s to 1960s. Currently, 66 species or subspecies are listed for Austria. Another 14 species and subspecies had been listed for Austria in the 1950s, but these have been synonymized with other species since. However, first molecular results indicate the presence of additional cryptic species, which might correspond to some of these “historic” species. As part of this project, woodlice will be collected and DNA barcoded across Austria to generate a dense barcode library for this ecologically important group. This will be the foundation for long-term DNA-based monitoring projects and for evaluating their species diversity. Solving basic taxonomic questions will be one of the challenges in the project.
Project status: ongoing




Subscribe to our ABOL news
Latest News
M. SonnleitnerABOL at the Day of Biodiversity in Baden bei Wien3. July, 2025 - 13:40
On June 13 and 14, 2025, the Biosphere Reserve Wienerwald organized its 20th Day of Biodiversity– this year in the Lower Austrian part of the biosphere reserve around Baden bei Wien. Around 100 experts from various disciplines explored the diverse flora, fauna, and funga of the area from the Kurpark to the Lindkogel. In perfect […]
Days of Biodiversity ´25 – a review5. March, 2025 - 09:15
The Days of Biodiversity ’25, which ABOL once again has co-organized, are over. Our thanks go to our co-organizers Biodiversity Hub, BOKU, ZooBot, NOBIS, University of Vienna and NHM Vienna for the smooth cooperation. First and foremost, however, we would like to thank all participants for inspiring lectures, interactive workshops and lively discussion rounds. Under […]
V. KarglABOL at the Long Night of Museums 202426. November, 2024 - 15:18
Are names written in the genes? We pursued this question at the Long Night of Museums on Saturday, October 5, 2024, until late into the night! The ABOL coordination team and the DNA laboratory of the Central Research Laboratories presented DNA barcoding in different aspects and applications. Visitors were welcome to try extract DNA from […]