Woodlouse
Oct 28, 2020 18:46:20 #
This is one of my many preserved Woodlouse that I staged for a focus stacking session at 5X magnification. They are often referred to as a 'Pillbug' or a 'Rollie-Pollie' and there are many species of them.
An interesting fact is that the Woodlouse is not an insect but a crustacean and it is the only species found on land. They have 14 parts to its body which gives them the ability to curl into a ball to protect itself from danger.
They are found in dark, damp places and they feed on decaying leaf and plant matter meaning that the woodlouse plays a vital role in the environment enriching the soil and some are known to have a lifespan of up to four years. They seldom if ever eat living plants although they can be found around them in the decaying matter in the soil and they pose no harm to humans or to gardens and crops.
An interesting fact is that the Woodlouse is not an insect but a crustacean and it is the only species found on land. They have 14 parts to its body which gives them the ability to curl into a ball to protect itself from danger.
They are found in dark, damp places and they feed on decaying leaf and plant matter meaning that the woodlouse plays a vital role in the environment enriching the soil and some are known to have a lifespan of up to four years. They seldom if ever eat living plants although they can be found around them in the decaying matter in the soil and they pose no harm to humans or to gardens and crops.
Oct 28, 2020 19:04:51 #
Oct 28, 2020 19:07:42 #
quixdraw wrote:
Very fine & interesting. I always enjoy learning something new.
Thanks, Quixdraw. When I turn over a piece of deadfall in the woods they are always there and I can find them year round here. There is a species of spider that specializes in eating them and it has huge powerful fangs.
Oct 28, 2020 19:14:27 #
Oct 28, 2020 19:59:46 #
Oct 28, 2020 20:27:11 #
kpmac wrote:
The double download is spectacular.
Thanks, Kpmac. I appreciate the feedback.
Oct 28, 2020 22:51:45 #
Another very nice shot. I had a lot of these around my other house. Did you know there is a woodlouse spider that preys primarily on these?
Oct 29, 2020 05:13:52 #
sippyjug104 wrote:
This is one of my many preserved Woodlouse that I ... (show quote)
Another fantastic image Gary
Oct 29, 2020 05:32:10 #
Oct 29, 2020 08:25:18 #
Oct 29, 2020 10:04:10 #
Oct 29, 2020 10:41:35 #
JRiepe wrote:
Another very nice shot. I had a lot of these around my other house. Did you know there is a woodlouse spider that preys primarily on these?
Thanks for viewing and for the reply. I found an expired 'Sow Bug Spider' about two years ago in our basement. Its abdomen had shriveled and its legs were curled up. When I looked at it through the lens the size of it fangs were amazingly large. They are surely the 'strongman' of the spider world.
Oct 29, 2020 10:41:56 #
Oct 29, 2020 10:43:04 #
JimmyTB wrote:
AKA Isopod. Great work as always Sippy.
Thanks, I prefer my Isopods prepared Cajun Style.
Oct 29, 2020 10:48:15 #
ecobin wrote:
Excellent image Gary. Thanks for the enlightening information.
Thanks, Elliott. Mother Nature has a specific job for each of her critters that fits within the needs of others. Without the ones that breakdown debris the earth would not be as rich for the needs of other life forms...including us.
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