
Community identification
Woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare)
Armadillidium vulgare
- Order & Family
- Order: Isopoda; Family: Armadillidiidae
- Size
- 8 to 18 millimeters (0.3 to 0.7 inches)
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.