Common Woodlouse ©northeastwildlife.co.uk
Common woodlouse
If you were to pick up a rock in the garden, you’d hopefully find a few common woodlouse. These hardy minibeasts have in-built armour and like to hide in warm, moist places like compost heaps.
Scientific name
Oniscus asellusWhen to see
January to DecemberSpecies information
Category
Statistics
Length: 1.4cmConservation status
Common.
About
These hardy minibeasts can be found sheltering under rocks in the garden or hiding in compost heaps, where they avoid drying out in hot weather. Common woodlice are important for their ability to feed off dead plants and creatures, recycling vital nutrients. There are 30 species of woodlouse in the UK in an array of colours from brown and grey to pink!How to identify
The common woodlouse has smooth, shiny, grey 'armour' (an exoskeleton made up of segments or 'plates') with yellow patches and lighter grey edges.Distribution
Widespread.Did you know?
Woodlice are actually terrestrial crustaceans, not insects, so are more closely related to crabs and shrimps.
Bob Coyle
Our gardens are vital for wildlife
The UK's gardens provide more space for nature than all the National Nature Reserves put together.