Common Rough Woodlouse
Scientific Name: Porcellio scaber
Order & Family: Order: Isopoda; Family: Porcellionidae
Size: 11–17 mm (0.4–0.7 inches) in length

Natural Habitat
Damp and dark environments such as under logs, rocks, leaf litter, and in gardens; often found near human structures.
Diet & Feeding
Detritivore; primarily feeds on decaying organic matter, dead plants, and rotting wood.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal to avoid dehydration; as a terrestrial crustacean, it breathes through gill-like structures. Unlike pill bugs, this species cannot roll into a complete ball (conglobate) when threatened.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans; highly beneficial to the ecosystem as decomposers that recycle nutrients and improve soil quality.
Identified on: 4/1/2026