Wharf Roach
Ligia exotica
This record describes Ligia exotica (species). Recorded family: Ligiidae. Recorded order: Isopoda.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native range uncertain, adventive in NA (Atlantic coast: NY south to the Gulf of Mexico) Likely to appear in seaports in other areas, including those on the west coast
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ligia exotica Roux 1828
About Isopods: the wider group
Order-level background for Isopoda, the group containing Ligia exotica. 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 Wharf Roach (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Steve Nanz; Additional contributions by v belov , Astrobirder