
Community identification
Lawn Shrimp (or Land Hopper)
Arcitalitrus sylvaticus
- Order & Family
- Order Amphipoda; Family Talitridae
- Size
- 5 to 15 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Damp soil, leaf litter, and mulch; often migrate to pavement or indoors after heavy rain.
Diet & Feeding
Scavengers that feed on decaying organic matter and detritus.
Behavior Patterns
They are terrestrial crustaceans that require high moisture levels to breathe. They are known for jumping when disturbed and often die quickly and turn pink/red when they lose moisture.
Risks & Benefits
They are harmless to humans, pets, and structures. They benefit the ecosystem by decomposing organic matter, though they can be a minor nuisance when they enter homes in large numbers.