Bug Identifier
Woodlouse
Community identification

Woodlouse

Armadillidium vulgare

Order & Family
Isopoda; Armadillidiidae
Size
10 to 18 mm in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Damp environments such as under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and in basement crevices with high humidity.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily detritivorous, feeding on decaying plant matter, fungi, and sometimes animal remains.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal animals that seek out moisture; they exhibit 'conglomeration' behavior and 'volvations' (rolling into a ball) to protect themselves and prevent water loss.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans and structures; they are beneficial to the ecosystem as decomposers that recycle nutrients back into the soil.