Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Clickable Guide
Moths Butterflies Flies Caterpillars Flies Dragonflies Flies Mantids Cockroaches Bees and Wasps Walkingsticks Earwigs Ants Termites Hoppers and Kin Hoppers and Kin Beetles True Bugs Fleas Grasshoppers and Kin Ticks Spiders Scorpions Centipedes Millipedes

Calendar
BugGuide Gathering
Smoky Mountains
University of Tennessee Biological Field Station
August 8-10, 2008
Details...
 
Photos from the last gathering (Minnesota 2007)

TaxonomyBrowse
Info
ImagesLinksBooksData

Suborder Oniscidea - Woodlice

Classification
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class Malacostraca (Pill and Sow Bugs)
Superorder Peracarida
Order Isopoda (Isopods)
Suborder Oniscidea (Woodlice)
Explanation of Names
Woodlice comes from their superficial resemblance to lice, and their preference for cool, moist habitats like woods. The singular of woodlice is woodlouse.
Range
Woodlice hide during the day anywhere cool and dark, so they're easily when the items they hide in are moved. They can be found anywhere humans live and cool, moist conditions exist.
Habitat
Woodlice need organic matter, which can be found in most soils, and they need cool moist conditions. Many places that might seem too hot and dry have cool hiding places where they can wait out the dryness and heat.
Food
Plant material, usually dead. If live plants are moist enough on the outside and soft enough, they will eat them and sometimes do damage.