CRUSTACEANS – ISOPODA

Isopods are common inhabitants of nearly all environments, and they are unusual among the Crustacea for their ubiquity. In fact, they are one of the most morphologically diverse of the crustacean groups. They come in many different shapes and sizes (from microscopic to 16 in. long) and live in many different types of habitats (marine and terrestrial). The most familiar isopod to many people (although many people think they are insects) would be the pill bug (sow bug or wood louse), which can be found in any backyard in moist, dark conditions.

They aid in the decomposition of plant material and by enhancing the activity of microbes. As a child I would be horrified when picking up a rock from the ground only to find these critters scrambling around in the soil. As a adult I understand how they are an essential part of our diverse ecosystem.