Common Rough Woodlouse
Porcellio scaber
This record describes Porcellio scaber (species). Recorded family: Porcellionidae. Recorded order: Isopoda.
Identification and Appearance
The rough surface and the the dark color distinguish it from Oniscus asellus , as does the apiculate middle lobe on the head. [from comment by Ferenc Vilisics] Densely covered with tubercles. Usually dark grey, sometimes quite red or variegated with yellow. Albinos have been reported.
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
Habitat
planted forests, urban areas
Geographic Range
Originally from Europe Global Invasive Species Database Cosmopolitan according to Discover Life
Diet and Behavior
Diet: detritus
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Porcellio scaber Latreille, 1804
About Isopods: the wider group
Order-level background for Isopoda, the group containing Porcellio scaber. 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 Common Rough Woodlouse (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , ceiseman , KenW , Astrobirder
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Rough Woodlouse
What is Common Rough Woodlouse?
Common Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) is a species in the family Porcellionidae, within the order Isopoda.
How do you identify Common Rough Woodlouse?
The rough surface and the the dark color distinguish it from Oniscus asellus , as does the apiculate middle lobe on the head. [from comment by Ferenc Vilisics] Densely covered with tubercles. Usually dark grey, sometimes quite red or variegated with yellow. Albinos have been reported.
Where is Common Rough Woodlouse found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | planted forests, urban areas |
| Range | Originally from Europe Global Invasive Species Database Cosmopolitan according to Discover Life |
What does Common Rough Woodlouse eat?
The diet of the Common Rough Woodlouse includes detritus.