Bug Identifier
Lawn Prawn (or House Hopper)
Community identification

Lawn Prawn (or House Hopper)

Arcitalitrus sylvaticus

Order & Family
Order Amphipoda, Family Talitridae
Size
8 mm to 15 mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.