Bug Identifier
Common rough woodlouse (likely)
Community identification

Common rough woodlouse (likely)

Porcellio scaber

Order & Family
Isopoda; Porcellionidae
Size
Typically 10–17 mm long.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Moist, shaded terrestrial sites such as under logs, leaf litter, stones, and damp building edges. Common around gardens and decaying wood.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds mainly on decaying leaves, wood, fungi, algae, and other organic debris; occasionally grazes soft plant tissue.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and moisture-seeking, hiding by day to prevent drying. Females carry developing young in a fluid-filled brood pouch (marsupium).

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to people, pets, and structures; it does not bite or sting. It helps decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients, though large numbers may nibble seedlings.