About Arcitalitrus dorrieni (Hunt, 1925)
Arcitalitrus dorrieni is a small, land-dwelling, shrimp-like organism. Unlike its marine relatives, it breathes air using gills that are held in a gill chamber beneath its thorax. This adaptation lets it survive on land, but it must live in moist environments to stop its gills from drying out. Arcitalitrus dorrieni is native to Australia and its nearby islands, and it is an introduced species in Britain and Ireland. It is thought to have arrived in these regions in the early 20th century, most likely via transported plants. It is most commonly found in the west and south of Britain and Ireland, where the climate is milder and more humid. Its preferred habitat consists of damp, sheltered areas with a thick layer of leaf litter, including woodlands, gardens, and hedgerows. Arcitalitrus dorrieni is a detritivore, which means it feeds on decaying organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead wood. It contributes to the decomposition process and helps recycle nutrients in soil. Because of its specific habitat requirements, it is not classified as a pest.
