Common Rough Woodlouse

Scientific Name: Porcellio scaber

Order & Family: Order: Isopoda; Family: Porcellionidae

Size: 11–17 mm (0.4–0.7 inches) in length

Common Rough Woodlouse

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