
Community identification
Lawn Prawn (or House Hopper)
Arcitalitrus sylvaticus
- Order & Family
- Order Amphipoda, Family Talitridae
- Size
- 8 mm to 15 mm in length
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.