Rathke'S Woodlouse

trachelipus rathkii

Rathke's Woodlouse is a tiny creature that loves to hide under rocks and leaves! These little critters help keep the environment clean by eating decaying plants.

Habitat: They live in moist environments like forests, gardens, and under rocks.

Appearance

The Rathke'S Woodlouse has an oval, flattened body, typically grey to brown with a slightly mottled pattern and sometimes a faint pale stripe down its back. Its robust, segmented exoskeleton gives it a duller, less glossy look compared to some relatives, and it has distinctive antennae.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassMalacostracaOrderIsopodaFamilyTrachelipodidaeGenusTrachelipus
Rathke'S Woodlouse
solitary trait badgeburrowing trait badgeherbivorous trait badgedecomposer trait badge
Rathke'S Woodlouse

Category

Invertebrate

Rarity

Common

Danger

0/5 · No known danger

Snaps

12

Interesting facts

Rathke's Woodlice are crustaceans, closer relatives to lobsters than insects!

They break down dead leaves and plants, recycling nutrients back into the soil!

They shed their outer skin in two halves, first the back, then the front!

Woodlice don't pee; they release ammonia gas directly through their exoskeletons!

Special abilities

Ability

Humidity Detector

Rathke'S Woodlouse can sense tiny changes in air moisture because of special antennae, which helps them find damp, safe places to live.

Ability

Gilled Breather

Rathke'S Woodlouse breathes using tiny gill-like structures that help them absorb oxygen directly from moist air.

Ability

Brood Pouch Protector

Rathke'S Woodlouse females carry their eggs and young in a special pouch under their body, protecting them until they hatch.

Measurements & details

Length Mm
12 mm
Weight Mg
100 mg
Lifespan Years
2 years
Number Of Legs
14
Speed Cm Per Sec
1 C

Diet & Feeding

These tiny recyclers munch on dead plants and organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

Primary Foods

  • Decaying leaves
  • Rotting wood
  • Fungi
  • Algae
  • Plant debris

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Wolf Spider

Pardosa amentata

Common wolf spiders often hunt Rathke'S Woodlouse.

hunts

Common Centipede

Lithobius forficatus

Centipedes actively pursue and eat woodlice.

eaten by

Blackbird

Turdus merula

Blackbirds forage for them amongst leaf litter.

Traits

Also known as

Pill BugRolly Polly

Collections

Safety

Danger

0/5 · No known danger

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Rathke'S Woodlouse?

The easiest way to identify Rathke'S Woodlouse is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Rathke'S Woodlouse?

12 mm

How much does Rathke'S Woodlouse weigh?

100 mg

How long does Rathke'S Woodlouse live?

2 years

What does Rathke'S Woodlouse eat?

These tiny recyclers munch on dead plants and organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

Where is Rathke'S Woodlouse usually found?

They live in moist environments like forests, gardens, and under rocks.

How does Rathke'S Woodlouse hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Rathke'S Woodlouse have?

14

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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