
Community identification
Woodlouse
Armadillidium vulgare
- Order & Family
- Order: Isopoda; Family: Armadillidiidae
- Size
- Generally 10-18 mm (0.4-0.7 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Damp, dark places such as under rocks, leaf litter, and woodpiles; found globally in temperate and tropical environments.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily detritivorous, feeding on decaying organic matter, fungi, and occasionally tender plant material.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and moisture-dependent. Many species exhibit 'conglobation'—rolling into a tight ball for protection and to conserve moisture. They go through incomplete metamorphosis, with young appearing as miniature versions of adults.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients. They pose no risk to humans as they do not bite, sting, or spread disease, though they can occasionally damage young seedlings in gardens.