Woodlouse (Slater, Sow Bug or Pill Bug)

Armadillidium vulgare

Appearance

Image of Woodlice (Isopoda) | Rentokil Pest Control Australia
  • Less than an inch long.
  • Thorax has 7 pairs of legs and abdomen has 6 pairs of false legs.
  • The color varies, but commonly slate grey.

Lifecycle

  • Females carry the eggs attached to the underside of the body until the young hatch.
  • One or two generations per year.

Habits

  • In damp properties they will breed in decaying timbers and other organic debris.
  • Live under stones in cool damp locations. Adults live for up to 2 years.
  • Can invade properties when favored habitat either dries out or becomes flooded.
  • Harmless, although can be objectionable in large numbers.
  • Feeding - Decaying vegetation and some living plants.
  • Woodlice are eaten by many animals. Their main protection is rolling into a tight balls.
  • They do not bite.