Curly Woodlouse
Cylisticus convexus
This record describes Cylisticus convexus (species). Recorded family: Cylisticidae. Recorded order: Isopoda.
Identification and Appearance
capable of rolling into a ball; dorsal surface dark, glossy, grayish-black, marked with pale translucent streaks; uropods extend beyond terminal abdominal segment; abdomen not abruptly narrower than thorax; flagellum of second antennae with 2 articles; banding of antennae absent or inconspicuous; tergites 3, 4, and 5 narrower than other tergites; 5 pairs of white lungs on underside of tail
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Malacostraca
- Order
- Isopoda (Isopods)
- Suborder
- Oniscidea
- Family
- Cylisticidae
- Genus
- Cylisticus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
on the ground around homes or other buildings; nocturnal
Geographic Range
native to Europe, adventive in NA and now widespread in the eastern half of the continent from NF to SD
Diet and Behavior
Diet: dead vegetation such as wood and leaf litter
About Isopods: the wider group
Order-level background for Isopoda, the group containing Cylisticus convexus. 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 Curly Woodlouse (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Curly Woodlouse
What is Curly Woodlouse?
Curly Woodlouse (Cylisticus convexus) is a species in the family Cylisticidae, within the order Isopoda.
How big is Curly Woodlouse?
8-15 mm
How do you identify Curly Woodlouse?
capable of rolling into a ball; dorsal surface dark, glossy, grayish-black, marked with pale translucent streaks; uropods extend beyond terminal abdominal segment; abdomen not abruptly narrower than thorax; flagellum of second antennae with 2 articles; banding of antennae absent or inconspicuous; tergites 3, 4, and 5 narrower than other tergites; 5 pairs of white lungs on underside of tail
Where is Curly Woodlouse found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on the ground around homes or other buildings; nocturnal |
| Range | native to Europe, adventive in NA and now widespread in the eastern half of the continent from NF to SD |
What does Curly Woodlouse eat?
The diet of the Curly Woodlouse includes dead vegetation such as wood and leaf litter.