Brickwork Woodlouse
Porcellio spinicornis
This record describes Porcellio spinicornis (species). Recorded family: Porcellionidae. Recorded order: Isopoda.
Identification and Appearance
Broad, flattened species. The markings are characteristic: the head is dark brown and the back is marked with a dark central stripe, flanked by 2 rows of yellow spots on a pale background. The first two pairs of pleopods possess pleopodal lungs.
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 so. Europe, adventive in NA (se. Canada; MI, WI, AR, Great Lakes) , across ne US per BG data
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Porcellio spinicornis Say 1818
About Isopods: the wider group
Order-level background for Isopoda, the group containing Porcellio spinicornis. 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 Brickwork Woodlouse (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hannah Nendick-Mason; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , Astrobirder
Frequently Asked Questions About Brickwork Woodlouse
What is Brickwork Woodlouse?
Brickwork Woodlouse (Porcellio spinicornis) is a species in the family Porcellionidae, within the order Isopoda.
How big is Brickwork Woodlouse?
10-15 mm
How do you identify Brickwork Woodlouse?
Broad, flattened species. The markings are characteristic: the head is dark brown and the back is marked with a dark central stripe, flanked by 2 rows of yellow spots on a pale background. The first two pairs of pleopods possess pleopodal lungs.
Where is Brickwork Woodlouse found?
Range: native to so. Europe, adventive in NA (se. Canada; MI, WI, AR, Great Lakes) , across ne US per BG data