#isopoding

Cylisticus convexus

A species of terrestrial isopod belonging to the family Cylisticidae. It is commonly known as the curly woodlouse due to its ability to curl its body into a loose defensive shape when threatened, though not as completely as true pill bugs.

Native to Europe but now introduced to many other regions, it is a hardy and adaptable species often found in gardens, forests, urban habitats, and agricultural environments.

Scientific classification: Family Cylisticidae, order Isopoda.

Habitat: Moist terrestrial habitats including leaf litter, compost, under stones, bark, rotting wood, and garden debris. It tolerates a wider range of conditions than many delicate woodland isopods.

Typical size: 1–1.8 cm (0.4–0.7 in) in length.

Distribution: Originally Europe, now widespread across North America and other temperate regions through accidental introduction.

Diet: Detritivore feeding on decaying plant matter, fungi, dead organic material, and decomposing wood. It contributes to nutrient recycling in soil ecosystems and is especially successful in disturbed habitats due to its adaptability and resistance to environmental fluctuations.

Philoscia affinis

A species of terrestrial isopod belonging to the family Philosciidae. It is a slender, fast-moving woodlouse known for its agility compared to more heavily armored or slow species.

Native to Europe, it is commonly found in moist woodland environments where it moves quickly through leaf litter and vegetation rather than relying on heavy defensive curling.

Scientific classification: Family Philosciidae, order Isopoda.

Habitat: Damp terrestrial habitats such as forests, grasslands, gardens, and areas rich in leaf litter. It tends to prefer slightly more open and active microhabitats than strongly cryptic woodlice.

Typical size: 8–12 mm (0.3–0.5 in) in length.

Distribution: Europe, especially central and western regions, with some spread into adjacent areas.

A species of terrestrial isopod belonging to the family Agnaridae. It is one of the most desert-adapted known woodlice and is remarkable for surviving in extremely hot, dry environments that would kill many other terrestrial isopods.

Native to arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East, it lives in deep burrows dug into compact soil, where temperatures and humidity remain more stable than at the surface.

Scientific classification: Family Agnaridae, order Isopoda.

Habitat: Deserts, semi-arid plains, and dry scrublands with compact soils suitable for burrowing.

Typical size: 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) in length.

Distribution: North Africa, the Middle East, and surrounding desert regions.