Wood louse meaning

A wood louse is a small crustacean that typically lives in damp, dark places such as under rocks or in rotting wood.


Wood louse definitions

Word backwards doow esuol
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division wood-louse
Plural The plural of wood louse is woodlice.
Total letters 9
Vogais (3) o,u,e
Consonants (4) w,d,l,s

Overview of Woodlice

Woodlice, also known as roly-polys or pill bugs, are fascinating creatures belonging to the crustacean group. Despite their name, they are not insects but rather terrestrial isopods. These small creatures are commonly found in damp and dark environments, such as under rocks, logs, and mulch.

Physical Characteristics

Woodlice have a distinct oval-shaped body that is divided into segments. They are typically gray or brown in color and have seven pairs of legs. Woodlice are known for their ability to roll into a ball when threatened, hence the name roly-polys. This behavior helps protect them from predators.

Habitat and Behavior

Woodlice thrive in moist environments and play a crucial role in breaking down decaying organic matter. They feed on dead plant material, helping to recycle nutrients back into the soil. Woodlice are primarily nocturnal creatures and prefer to stay hidden during the day.

Life Cycle

Woodlice reproduce through mating, and females carry their eggs in a specialized pouch until they hatch. Once born, woodlice go through several molting stages before reaching maturity. Their lifespan can vary depending on the species, but most woodlice live for about one to two years.

Interactions with Humans

While woodlice are harmless to humans, they can become a nuisance if they infest homes or gardens in large numbers. They are attracted to damp environments, so maintaining proper ventilation and reducing moisture levels can help deter them from entering living spaces.

Interesting Facts

Woodlice are equipped with gills that allow them to breathe underwater for short periods. They have also been known to exhibit social behaviors, such as gathering in groups to feed or protect themselves from predators. Overall, woodlice are unique creatures that play a vital role in ecosystems by aiding in the decomposition process.


Wood louse Examples

  1. I found a wood louse crawling on the damp ground.
  2. Wood louse are known to feed on decaying organic matter.
  3. As a child, I used to be fascinated by the way wood louse curled up into a ball when touched.
  4. Wood louse play a role in the decomposition of dead wood in forests.
  5. The wood louse population in the garden has been increasing due to the wet weather.
  6. Wood louse are not harmful to humans and are generally considered beneficial in breaking down organic matter.
  7. Wood louse are commonly found under rocks and logs in moist environments.
  8. The wood louse is a small crustacean that belongs to the Isopoda order.
  9. Some people mistake wood louse for insects, but they are actually more closely related to shrimp and crabs.
  10. There are over 5,000 species of wood louse worldwide, inhabiting a variety of habitats.


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  • Updated 18/04/2024 - 19:58:52