Lawn Shrimp (Terrestrial Amphipod)

Natural Habitat

Damp soil, leaf litter, and mulch; they often enter homes after heavy rainfall or when their outdoor environment dries out.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on decaying organic matter such as rotting leaves and soft plant tissues.

Behavior Patterns

They are active at night and require constant moisture to survive. When their habitat becomes too wet or too dry, they migrate, often ending up on pavement or indoors where they die quickly and turn a characteristic pinkish-red color.

Risks & Benefits

They are harmless to humans, pets, and structures. They do not bite or sting. Benefit the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter, but are considered a nuisance pest when they die in large numbers inside buildings.

Identified on: 2/10/2026