Moisture-dependent
Guides
Armadillidium
pill woodlice, leg pebbles, pill bugs, roly-poly, potato bugs
Armadillidium is a genus of terrestrial crustaceans commonly known as pill bugs or roly-polies, distinguished by their ability to roll into a ball when disturbed (conglobation). The genus contains approximately 189 recognized species, most endemic to Mediterranean regions. These detritivores inhabit moist environments and play important roles in decomposition. The most widespread species, A. vulgare, has been introduced globally and serves as a soil bioindicator.
Ceuthophilus divergens
divergent camel cricket
Ceuthophilus divergens, the divergent camel cricket, is a wingless camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is native to North America, with documented records from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Missouri. As a member of the genus Ceuthophilus, it shares the characteristic hump-backed appearance and exceptionally long antennae typical of camel crickets.
Holoverticata
Woodlice and Pillbugs
Holoverticata is an infraorder of isopod crustaceans encompassing the familiar terrestrial woodlice and pillbugs. Members of this group are distinguished by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies, seven pairs of walking legs, and ability to occupy moist terrestrial habitats. The group includes species capable of conglobation (rolling into a ball) as well as those that remain flattened. This infraorder represents the most successful lineage of crustaceans to colonize land.
Hypogastrura
snow fleas
Hypogastrura is a large genus of springtails in the family Hypogastruridae, comprising at least 150 described species with a cosmopolitan distribution. The genus includes the well-known "snow fleas" such as Hypogastrura nivicola, which are conspicuous on snow surfaces in winter. Members are small, typically 1–3 mm, with the characteristic springtail body plan including a furcula for jumping and a ventral collophore. The genus occupies diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to caves and forest floors.
Oniscidae
sow bugs, woodlice
Oniscidae is a family of terrestrial isopods (woodlice) within the suborder Oniscidea. The family includes the common woodlouse Oniscus asellus and at least six confirmed genera: Oniscus, Oroniscus, Phalloniscus, Rabdoniscus, Rodoniscus, and Sardoniscus. Members are detritivores that contribute to decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Some species exhibit behavioral sensitivity to environmental contaminants, suggesting potential use as bioindicators.