Woodlouse
Woodlice are terrestrial isopod crustaceans in the suborder Oniscidea.
Woodlice are terrestrial isopod crustaceans in the suborder Oniscidea. They are not insects and are more closely related to crabs and shrimps; many species live in damp places and feed on decaying plant matter.
Classification
Woodlice are terrestrial isopod crustaceans placed in the suborder Oniscidea. They are part of the order Isopoda and class Malacostraca, and are unrelated to insects despite their name.
Description and adaptations
Woodlice have a segmented exoskeleton and many species have a flattened body shape. Their land lifestyle depends on moisture, so they are commonly found in damp, shaded places where they avoid drying out.
Habitat and behaviour
Woodlice occur in habitats such as leaf litter, rotting wood, rocks, compost heaps, and garden shelters. Some species can roll into a ball for protection, while others remain flattened and rely on hiding places.
Ecological role
Woodlice feed largely on dead plant material and other decaying matter. This makes them important decomposers that help recycle nutrients back into the soil.
Key facts
- Woodlice are crustaceans, not insects.
- They belong to the suborder Oniscidea within the order Isopoda.
- They are adapted to land but still need moist conditions.
- Many species live under stones, logs, bark, or in compost heaps.
- Some species can roll into a ball when disturbed.
Woodlice are common in gardens, compost, and damp outdoor habitats in Canada, where they play a useful decomposer role.
Frequently asked questions
Are woodlice insects?
Where do woodlice live?
What do woodlice eat?
Can woodlice roll into a ball?
Why are woodlice important?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/wood-louseSupports: Woodlice as terrestrial crustaceans; relationship to pill bugs and sow bugs.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WoodlouseSupports: Definition of woodlice as terrestrial isopods in Oniscidea; distinction from insects.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wood%20louseSupports: Dictionary definition; terrestrial isopod crustacean and ball-rolling trait.
- The Wildlife Trusts — https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/crustacea-centipedes-and-millipedes/common-woodlouseSupports: Habitat, diet, and ecological role in recycling nutrients.
- London Borough of Waltham Forest — https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2021-10/Woodlice%20fact%20sheet.pdfSupports: Species counts, habitat, body features, and ball-rolling pill woodlouse note.