Lawn Prawn (or Terrestrial Amphipod)
Scientific Name: Arcitalitrus sylvaticus (most common terrestrial species)
Order & Family: Order: Amphipoda, Family: Talitridae
Size: Typically 5 to 20 mm (approx. 0.2 to 0.8 inches) in length
Natural Habitat
Damp environments rich in organic matter, such as leaf litter, mulch, soil, and garden beds. They are commonly found in humid areas of yards and can migrate indoors during heavy rains.
Diet & Feeding
Detritivores feeding primarily on decaying plant matter, rotting wood, and damp leaf litter.
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal and rely heavily on moisture to survive. When disturbed or when dying from desiccation (drying out, which often happens indoors), they curl into a C-shape and turn a reddish-pink or rusty brown color.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: They are excellent decomposers that help break down organic matter and aerate soil. Risks: Harmless to humans and pets (they do not bite or sting) but are considered nuisance pests when they invade homes in large numbers after rain.
Identified on: 3/11/2026