Porcellio ovalis facts for kids

Porcellio ovalis is a small creature known as a woodlouse. It belongs to the family Porcellionidae. This special woodlouse is found only in the Canary Islands, which means it is endemic there. It was first described by a scientist named Adrien Dollfus in 1893.

What is a Woodlouse?

Woodlice are tiny animals that are not insects, but rather a type of crustacean. This means they are related to crabs and lobsters! They are also called "roly-polies" or "pill bugs" because some can roll into a ball when they feel scared. Woodlice are usually found in damp, dark places.

Where Do They Live?

Porcellio ovalis lives in the Canary Islands. These islands are in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Africa. The climate there is warm, which is good for many kinds of animals. Woodlice like to hide under rocks, logs, or leaves. They need places that stay moist because they breathe through gills, just like fish!

What Do They Eat?

Woodlice are like nature's clean-up crew. They mostly eat dead plants and decaying matter. This includes things like rotting leaves, wood, and even fungi. By eating these things, they help to break down organic material and return nutrients to the soil. This is very important for the health of the ecosystem.

Life Cycle of a Woodlouse

Woodlice have an interesting way of growing. They do not lay eggs like many insects. Instead, the mother woodlouse carries her eggs in a special pouch on her belly. This pouch is called a marsupium.

Reproduction

After the eggs hatch inside the marsupium, tiny baby woodlice emerge. They look like smaller versions of the adults. The mother keeps them safe in her pouch until they are ready to explore on their own. This protects them from dangers when they are very small and fragile.

Growth and Molting

As woodlice grow, they shed their outer skin, a process called molting. They do this several times throughout their lives. It's like taking off a suit that has become too small. After molting, their new skin is soft for a short time before it hardens. This allows them to get bigger.

Why Are Woodlice Important?

Even though they are small, woodlice play a big role in their environment. They help to recycle nutrients by breaking down dead plant material. This makes the soil healthier for new plants to grow. They are also a food source for other animals, like birds, spiders, and even some small mammals.