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Isopods are often known as "pillbugs", because they roll into a tight ball that looks like a pill. They are sometimes confused with "sowbugs" which look very similar. Sowbugs, however, have flatter bodies and cannot roll into a ball. Isopods can grow up to half an inch. They are usually gray or brown or black, with an oval-shaped body. They have seven armor plates, called "pereonites," which protect them. They also have seven pairs of short legs. Isopods have two pairs of antennae; one pair feels along the ground. This animal is a crustacean, so its cousins are crabs, crayfish, and shrimp. Just like those creatures, Isopods have gills and need water to breathe. Since they live on land, and not in the water, Isopods must stay in moist places. |
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Isopods live under rocks, logs, leaves and other damp places. They can be found in forests, meadows, and basements. These animals are nocturnal, but will sometimes be found outside on damp, foggy days. Isopods were introduced from Europe, but are well established in North America. Female Isopods carry eggs in a pouch called a "marsupium." When the young Isopods hatch, they will stay in the pouch until they are old enough to be on their own. Isopods eat fungi and decaying plant matter, as well as young plant growth, and sometimes dead animal matter. |
