Fauna
Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 6284337

Common Rough Woodlouse

Porcellio scaber

Also known as Rough Woodlouse, European Woodlouse, Sowbug, Slater

Common rough woodlice thrive in cool, humid microhabitats beneath stones and decaying wood where they break down fallen leaves and plant matter. Unlike pillbugs, these terrestrial crustaceans possess a rough, bumpy exoskeleton and broad uropods, making them incapable of rolling into a complete ball. They play a vital role in soil nutrient cycling, relying on modified gill-like structures that require constant humidity to stay functional.

NocturnalDetritivoreCrustacean
Common Rough Woodlouse reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Decaying Leaf Litter
  • Fungi
  • Rotting Vegetation
Predators
  • Woodlouse Spiders
  • Stone Centipedes
  • Toads
ThreatsPesticides, prolonged drought, soil contamination
HabitatsLeaf litter, compost heaps, beneath rocks, rotting logs
Life span2–3 years
Classification
  1. OrderIsopoda
  2. FamilyPorcellionidae
  3. GenusPorcellio
  4. SpeciesPorcellio scaber
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Flip Cover Carefully: Lift logs or stones gently to observe them, replacing cover to preserve humidity.
  • Handle Gently: Allow them to crawl onto an open palm rather than pinching their fragile shells.
  • Provide Moisture: Limit indoor observation time because dry air rapidly dehydrates their breathing organs.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…