Common Shiny Woodlouse
Oniscus asellus
The common shiny woodlouse is a widespread European species familiar in gardens, compost and damp woodland. Adults are broad and flattened, with a smooth gray-brown back, pale markings and a continuous outline from the main body to the rear segments. It is also kept in hobby cultures and as a decomposer in suitable enclosures.
Colonies need leaf litter, decaying wood and reliable access to moisture. Females shelter eggs and young in a brood pouch, then release live young. Unlike pill bugs, it cannot roll into a ball.
