Woodlouse

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark places such as under rocks, logs, leaf litter, decaying wood, compost piles, and basements. They require moisture to breathe through gill-like structures.

Diet & Feeding

Detritivores, primarily feeding on decaying plant and animal matter, fungi, and sometimes young plants and soft fruits.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and reclusive, emerging at night to feed. They often roll into a ball (conglobation) when threatened, especially species like pill bugs. They live in social groups and are crucial for decomposition.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans. They are beneficial decomposers, recycling nutrients back into the soil, which enriches soil quality. In gardens, they can sometimes cause minor damage to seedlings or soft fruit if populations are very high and other food sources are scarce.

Identified on: 10/22/2025