Giant Canyon Woodlouse
Porcellio dilatatus
This record describes Porcellio dilatatus (species). Recorded family: Porcellionidae. Recorded order: Isopoda.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
[adapted from comments at ]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Malacostraca
- Order
- Isopoda (Isopods)
- Suborder
- Oniscidea
- Family
- Porcellionidae
- Genus
- Porcellio
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to W Europe, adventive and widespread in NA ( 3 ) ; Cosmopolitan
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Porcellio dilatatus Brandt 1833
About Isopods: the wider group
Order-level background for Isopoda, the group containing Porcellio dilatatus. 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 Giant Canyon Woodlouse (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hannah Nendick-Mason; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , Astrobirder
Frequently Asked Questions About Giant Canyon Woodlouse
How big is Giant Canyon Woodlouse?
up to 15 mm
How do you identify Giant Canyon Woodlouse?
[adapted from comments at ]
Where is Giant Canyon Woodlouse found?
Range: native to W Europe, adventive and widespread in NA ( 3 ) ; Cosmopolitan