Florida Fast Woodlouse
Atlantoscia floridana
This record describes Atlantoscia floridana (species). Recorded family: Philosciidae. Recorded order: Isopoda.
Identification and Appearance
The robber mask is diagnostic, although some individuals may have an entirely dark head Appears to be abundant in Florida
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Malacostraca
- Order
- Isopoda (Isopods)
- Suborder
- Oniscidea
- Family
- Philosciidae
- Genus
- Atlantoscia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
coastal SC to Florida then along the Gulf Coast to Texas [iNaturalist data]; also occurs across the Neotropics to South America
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Atlantoscia floridana (van Name 1940)
About Isopods: the wider group
Order-level background for Isopoda, the group containing Atlantoscia floridana. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Isopoda includes ~10,000 described species of woodlice, pill bugs, and sea slaters. Woodlice are the only crustaceans to have fully adapted to life on land. Pill bugs (roly-polies) can roll into a perfect ball for defense.
Ecological role of the group
Woodlice are critical soil decomposers, breaking down dead plant material and recycling calcium and other nutrients. They breathe through gill-like structures and require moist environments. Giant deep-sea isopods (Bathynomus) can grow up to 50cm long.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Woodlice are generally beneficial in gardens as decomposers, though they can occasionally damage seedlings and soft fruits in large numbers.
Recorded sources for this group: Soil ecology research, marine biology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Florida Fast Woodlouse (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Graham Montgomery; Additional contributions by Robert Lord Zimlich , v belov , Astrobirder
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Fast Woodlouse
What is Florida Fast Woodlouse?
Florida Fast Woodlouse (Atlantoscia floridana) is a species in the family Philosciidae, within the order Isopoda.
How do you identify Florida Fast Woodlouse?
The robber mask is diagnostic, although some individuals may have an entirely dark head
Where is Florida Fast Woodlouse found?
Range: coastal SC to Florida then along the Gulf Coast to Texas [iNaturalist data]; also occurs across the Neotropics to South America