Eastern Waterslater
Conasellus communis
This record describes Conasellus communis (species). Recorded family: Asellidae. Recorded order: Isopoda.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
About Isopods: the wider group
Order-level background for Isopoda, the group containing Conasellus communis. 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 Eastern Waterslater (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Joshua Stuart Rose , Nathaniel Green