Bug Identifier
Woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare)
Community identification

Woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare)

Armadillidium vulgare

Order & Family
Order: Isopoda; Family: Armadillidiidae
Size
8 to 18 millimeters (0.3 to 0.7 inches)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Moist environments such as damp soil, leaf litter, rotting logs, and under rocks.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily detritivorous, feeding on decaying organic matter, fungi, and occasionally live plant material.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and highly sensitive to moisture; many species like the pill bug can roll into a sphere (conglobate) for protection and to conserve water.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans; they benefit ecosystems by breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients, but can occasionally damage young seedlings in gardens.