It is common to find woodlice in the garden, under stones, and in wooded areas, as they prefer humid and dark environments. However, they can also inhabit more temperate zones.
The truth is that woodlice are not a threat to plants, as they feed on decaying organic matter.
Importance of woodlice in the ecosystem
Woodlice are often unnoticed in their natural habitat, but they are essential in the ecosystem. Not only do they play an important role, but they are also the only completely terrestrial crustaceans inhabiting tropical and subtropical areas worldwide.
These small creatures do not sting or harm humans, but there are many interesting facts about them worth knowing.
Diversity of common names
Their scientific name is Oniscidea, belonging to a suborder of terrestrial isopod crustaceans with around 3,000 described species. They are known by a variety of common names depending on the country.
For example, in Argentina they are called “woodlice,” in Spain “earth balls,” in Colombia “marranitos,” in Mexico “cachurros,” in Uruguay “humidity cochineals,” and in Chile and Peru “earth pigs.” In the United States, they are known as “wood shrimp.”
Physical characteristics and behavior
These harmless creatures are characterized by having a segmented body, covered by a rigid, hard, and arched exoskeleton, giving them their round shape when they roll up.
This defense mechanism is a unique feature among crustaceans, and although they look like small balls, they generally measure between 1 and 2 centimeters in length. Additionally, woodlice have seven pairs of walking legs or pereopods.
Crucial role of woodlice in the ecosystem
Why do they play a crucial role in the ecosystem? In addition to their remarkable evolutionary adaptations, various scientific studies suggest that woodlice could have significant potential in bioremediation, helping to clean up contaminated soils and waters.
They have the ability to consume a large amount of heavy metals from the soil, such as mercury, arsenic, or lead, without suffering any harm, which are harmful to humans.
Feeding and reproduction
These terrestrial crustaceans are omnivorous and mainly feed on decaying organic matter, such as fallen leaves, wood, and plant debris.
For reproduction, they have an abdominal sac or special pouch where they incubate their eggs, giving rise to small versions of the adults.
However, their reproductive cycle depends on environmental conditions, particularly humidity, although the offspring molt until reaching adulthood.
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