
Community identification
Common rough woodlouse (likely)
Porcellio scaber
- Order & Family
- Isopoda; Porcellionidae
- Size
- Typically 10–17 mm long.
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.