 | Common Woodlouse, Sow Bug, Pillbug Pillbug: Armadillidium vulgare / Woodlouse: Trachelipus rathkii The Order Isopoda includes approximately 10,000 described species, in 10 suborders. Insects and Spiders | Spider Pictures | Beetles Index | Butterflies | Tree Encyclopedia |
 Woodlouse - Trachelipus rathkii |
Anyone who has turned over a rock or log anywhere on earth has seen these very common crustaceans. They live in almost every moist environment on earth, and eat principally decaying plant material. Their preference for moist environments is due in part to their lack of a waxy cuticle covering their body - they are very susceptible to desiccation. Most of the order insecta have a waxy covering, hence their ability to exploit almost all ecosystems, regardless of moisture levels. The only animals known to prey exclusively on woodlice are spiders of the genus Dysdera. However, many other animals will eat them, including toads, frogs, centipedes and millipedes. Pillbugs and woodlice are members of the subphylum Crustacea, which also includes crabs, shrimps and lobsters. Most crustaceans are aquatic. Only two orders contain species which are able to live their whole life cycle away from water. These are the Isopoda, which includes the woodlice, and the Amphipoda. All isopods have seven pairs of legs which are usually of similar structure (hence the name iso-pod from the Greek isos meaning 'equal' and podes meaning feet). Woodlice babies, when released from the brood pouch of the female, have six pairs of legs. At this stage, they are called "mancas." After the first molt, which occurs within 24 hours of release, the 7th leg bearing segment appears and after another molt they gain their full complement of seven pairs of legs and are juveniles. Juveniles molt at intervals until they reach sexual maturity. The molting process continues after maturity (although with less frequency) and involves shedding the exoskeleton in two parts.
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Controlling Sow Bugs and Pillbugs The presence of sow bugs or pill bugs in the living quarters of a home is an indication high moisture conditions. This condition will also contribute to a number of other problems including mildew, wood rot and a good breeding environment for other insects. Reduce moisture or humidity level indoors. Use bathroom fans, stove hood vent fans, vent clothes dryers outside. Crawl spaces and attics need to be well ventilated. Remove excess vegetation and debris around exterior perimeter of the home. Make sure that leaf debris (leaves hold moisture and hide the bugs) is cleaned up from around the outside of your house. Keep rain gutters and downspouts clean and in good repair.
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References
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| Helpful: You can hear the pronunciation of many scientific and taxonomic terms at howjsay.com |
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