Lawn Shrimp (also known as Arcitalitrus sylvaticus or Landhopper)
Scientific Name: Arcitalitrus sylvaticus
Order & Family: Order: Amphipoda, Family: Talitridae
Size: 5 to 20 mm (approx. 0.2 to 0.8 inches) in length
Natural Habitat
Found in moist soil, mulch, leaf litter, and under forest canopies. They often migrate indoors or onto dry pavement after heavy rains to avoid drowning.
Diet & Feeding
Detritivores feeding primarily on decaying organic matter, such as rotting leaves and soft wood.
Behavior Patterns
They are terrestrial crustaceans that require humidity to survive. They are most notable for their erratic jumping behavior when disturbed and their tendency to die quickly (turning orange/red) when they end up on dry surfaces like patios or garage floors.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: They act as decomposers, recycling nutrients back into the soil. Risks: They are harmless to humans and pets (no biting or stinging). They are considered a nuisance pest when large numbers die indoors and create a mess.
Identified on: 2/18/2026