Lawn Prawn (or House Hopper)

Scientific Name: Arcitalitrus sylvaticus

Order & Family: Order Amphipoda, Family Talitridae

Size: 8 mm to 15 mm in length

Lawn Prawn (or House Hopper)

Natural Habitat

Typically found in damp soil, leaf litter, and mulch; often migrate onto pavement or indoors after heavy rain.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on decaying organic matter and detritus.

Behavior Patterns

Terrestrial crustaceans that require high humidity; they are known for jumping when disturbed. This specimen appears desiccated, which happens quickly when they lose moisture.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans and pets; they provide an ecological benefit by breaking down organic leaf litter into soil nutrients. They cannot survive for long inside a dry home.

Identified on: 4/1/2026