Woodlouse

Woodlice, also known as Porcellio scaber, are fascinating land crustaceans that can be found in damp gardens, on the edges of meadows and in light forests. Its distinctive features are its rough, bumpy body and its different colouring depending on its sex and age. In this article, we will tell you more about this interesting creature, its habitat and behaviour.

Habitat and behaviour of the garden pillbug

The rough woodlouse prefers moist habitats that provide it with the necessary moisture to survive. Therefore, it is most commonly found in places such as gardens, meadow edges and light forests. In these natural habitats, the crustacean finds suitable conditions for development and shelter, which is crucial for its survival. The moist environment in which the common shrew lives also favours the availability of food and the possibility of hiding from predators.

In terms of behaviour, the common shrew is mainly active at night, which allows it to avoid direct contact with predators. Its lifestyle can be defined by several key characteristics:

• Hiding under stones or rotting wood during the day.
• Going out to feed after dark.
• Moving alternately in both directions.

Thanks to these behaviours, the rough-skinned brush-footed animal successfully avoids threats and finds suitable conditions for survival.

Characteristics of the rough-skinned brush-footed animal

One of the most characteristic features of the common woodlouse is its rough body surface, which is covered with numerous bumps. This unique covering makes it easy to distinguish it from other land crustaceans. The common pill bug, also known as Porcellio scaber, can grow up to 17 mm long, making it one of the larger representatives of its species. Distinctive features of the species, such as differences in colouring between individuals, are also noteworthy. In adult animals, males tend to have a more pronounced, darker colouring compared to females, which are usually lighter. Juveniles, on the other hand, have much more subdued colours, often in shades of grey, which helps them to blend in better with their natural environment.

The different colouring depending on sex and age is an important factor in how the common slug functions in its environment. The colourful diversity not only helps to identify sex and age, but also has protective functions, allowing the crustacean to better hide from predators and adapt to changing environmental conditions. Thanks to these characteristics, the rough shelled crab is perfectly adapted to living in humid habitats, such as gardens, meadow edges and bright forests, where it finds optimalarunki do przetrwania i rozwoju.