Sowbugs
Oniscidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Malacostraca
- Superorder: Peracarida
- Order: Isopoda
- Suborder: Oniscidea
- Infraorder: Holoverticata
- Family: Oniscidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oniscidae: //oʊˈnɪsɪˌdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The family Oniscidae, commonly known as sowbugs, consist of woodlice with distinct morphological features such as non-ball-rolling capabilities and specific antennae structure. They contribute significantly to ecosystem health through their role as decomposers.
Physical Characteristics
Sowbugs have tails (uropods) that extend beyond their last abdominal segment and most do not have the ability to roll into a ball. They have three segments in the small, segmented end of their long antennae.
Identification Tips
Look for the presence of tails that extend beyond the last abdominal segment and the three segmented antennae, which can help distinguish them from the Porcellionidae family that has two segments in their antennae.
Habitat
Oniscidae, or sowbugs, are typically found in moist environments including leaf litter, under stones, and in decaying wood.
Distribution
Commonly distributed in temperate regions, sowbugs are present in many parts of the world where moisture is available.
Diet
Sowbugs are detritivores that primarily feed on decaying plant material and organic matter.
Life Cycle
Information on the life cycle specific to Oniscidae families is limited; however, they typically go through several molts as they grow.
Reproduction
Sowbugs reproduce via external fertilization and females carry eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch.
Predators
Predators of sowbugs may include birds, small mammals, and some insectivorous predators.
Ecosystem Role
Sowbugs play a key role in soil ecology by breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collecting in damp environments
- Using pitfall traps
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol storage
- Freezing for short-term preservation
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Many might confuse sowbugs with pillbugs, which can roll into a ball, whereas most sowbugs cannot.
Tags
- Oniscidae
- Sowbugs
- Woodlice
- Isopoda