Slaters Pillbugs and Woodlice: Isopoda - Physical Characteristics, Habitat, Diet, Behavior And Reproduction, Conservation Status, Common Pill Woodlouse (armadillidium Vulgare): Species Accounts - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, SLATERS PILLBUGS WOODLICE AND PEOPLE
damage
Isopods are found worldwide.
Wood burrowing and feeding species living in oceans and estuaries can severely damage pilings, docks, and other underwater wooden structures. Pillbugs seldom cause any damage, but large numbers may eat seedlings and other garden and greenhouse plants.
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Isopods come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most species have long bodies and are somewhat flat from top to bottom. They are mostly small, ranging from 0.02 to 0.6 inches (0.5 to 15 millimeters) in length. However, the largest species, Bathynomus giganteus, is an ocean bottom-dwelling creature that measures up to 19.7 inches (500 millimeters). All isopods have three major body regions: head, th…
Terrestrial isopods usually come out at night to feed. During the heat of the day, they instinctively hide in dark places beneath rocks, logs, and leaf litter where there is life-sustaining moisture. Under hot, dry conditions they release odors that are attractive to other isopods of the same species. They pile on one another as a defense of against losing precious body moisture. Some desert speci…
Physical characteristics: The bodies of common pill woodlouses are egg-shaped, with adults measuring up to 0.7 inches (18 millimeters). They are dark gray, brown to red and usually have distinct rows of spots. The antennae are visible from above, but the legs are not. Geographic range: Originally from southern Europe and North Africa, this species is now found throughout the world in temperate cli…
Physical characteristics: Adult sand isopods are flat from top to bottom and measure up to 0.6 inches (15 millimeters) in length and 0.3 inches (7 millimeters) across. Their bodies are almost paddlelike when viewed from above. The thorax is almost round and is followed by a long and pointed abdomen. The legs are thick and feathery in appearance. Geographic range: They live in the western Atlantic …
Physical characteristics: The body of the common shiny woodlouse is egg-shaped, has a shiny grayish brown back, and reaches a length of approximately 0.6 inches (16 millimeters). It has a pair of long antennae. Geographic range: Originally from only western and northern Europe, this species is now also established in both eastern Europe and North America. Habitat: The common shiny woodlouse lives …
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