
Community identification
Woodlouse
Oniscidea
- Order & Family
- Order: Isopoda; Family: various (e.g., Armadillidiidae, Oniscidae)
- Size
- Typically 5mm to 15mm in length
Natural Habitat
Damp, dark places such as under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and in garden soil
Diet & Feeding
Detritivorous, feeding primarily on decaying plant matter, fungi, and occasionally dead insects
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and moisture-seeking; many species (pill bugs) can roll into a ball (volvation) as a defense mechanism
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans; highly beneficial as decomposers that recycle nutrients and improve soil quality