What are isopods and what do they do?

What are isopods and what do they do?

Isopods are one of the most unique, essential, interesting bugs that the world has ever seen. They come in hundreds of different species and morphs. From the average dairy cow, or the rare Ardientella species, they are all special in their own way. Technically, isopods are not insects at all, and are actually crustaceans and closely related to shrimp. 

What do isopods do?

Isopods are essential for ecosystems around the world, they consume decomposing matter such as leaf litter, rotten wood or animal carcasses. Without them, the nutrients from these decomposing things would not easily be returned to the soil and would take much longer (springtails and other creatures that are less effective would have to do it) Without isopods, the ecosystem would take a massive hit and nutrients would be severely depleted from plants and microorganisms in our soil. 

Native isopods to the UK

Common Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber): Bumpy, matte grey, and tough. It loves garden rubbish piles.

Common Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus): Flat, glossy, and dark. Look for pale yellow spots on its back.

Common Pill Woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare): Rolls into a tight ball when scared. Prefers chalky soils.

Common Pygmy Woodlouse (Trichoniscus pusillus): Tiny, reddish-purple, and fast. Found in wet leaf litter.

Common Waterlouse (Asellus aquaticus): The aquatic cousin. Lives in ponds, streams, and ditches.