Terrestrial Isopod Habitat

Dead and decaying leaf litter provides perfect conditions for isopods.

Terrestrial isopods are known by many common names, such as woodlouse, pillbug and even "roly poly." They are found in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from coastlines to deserts. However, they require certain microhabitat conditions in order to survive--that is, the small part of the habitat that they live in has to have decaying organic matter (e.g., dead leaves) to provide a food source.

Coastal Habitats

Coastal debris may shelter terrestrial isopods.

It is not surprising that terrestrial isopods use coastal habitats--they are crustaceans, belonging to the same class of animals as crabs. In fact, most isopods are aquatic, and only isopods of the suborder Oniscidea are terrestrial. In coastal habitats, terrestrial isopods are found under rocks, driftwood or other debris (sometimes called "wrack") along the shore. These habitats provide the moist conditions terrestrial isopods prefer. In addition, rocks and debris trap organic matter that provides a food source for the isopods.

Forest Habitats

Hardwood forests are prime habitat for terrestrial isopods.

Terrestrial isopods are found in most forest habitats on the planet--with the exception of some extremely cold areas. The dead and decaying leaf litter on the forest floor provides a moist microhabitat with plentiful organic matter. Terrestrial isopods may also be found under logs or rock piles in forest habitats.

Desert Habitats

Some terrestrial isopods have evolved to use desert habitats.

A few species of terrestrial isopods have evolved to survive the extreme climate of deserts. Desert-dwelling isopods live in burrows in the soil, where organic matter is most abundant.

Suburban Habitats

Mulched flower beds provide excellent microhabitat for terrestrial isopods.

Terrestrial isopods thrive in suburban habitats, and are sometimes even mistakenly considered a pest. Mulch in flower beds, leaf piles, wood piles, brick or rock walls and planters provide moist microhabitats and abundant organic matter. Occasionally, terrestrial isopods are found in homes, garages and sheds--they sometimes wander in during heavy rains and become trapped.

Other Habitats

Terrestrial isopods thrive in greenhouses.

Terrestrial isopods also utilize a wide variety of other habitats created by humans. These habitats include compost piles, garbage heaps and greenhouses--all of which provide moist habitat with plentiful organic matter. In some greenhouses, terrestrial isopods may become so abundant that they are considered a plant pest.

References

• University of Arizona: Isopod, Pillbug, Sow Bug Information
• Earth Life: The Woodlice
• A - Z Animals: Woodlouse