Isopoda
| Vernacular names | |
|---|---|
| • Deutsch: | Asseln |
| • English: | isopods wood-lice slaters pill bugs |
| • Español: | isópodos |
| • Français: | isopodes |
Author(s): Franco Folini
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Isopoda - (isopods)
This group of crustaceans includes more than 10,000 species that live either terrestrial or in water. Some of the marine species can become very large, up to 50 cm long. Several terrestrial species are regarded as crop or storage pests in moist environments like the pill bugs and slaters. For example, the common slater (Porcellio scaber) can be a pest of stored vegetables and fruits.
The Isopoda have a hard and slightly curved, segmented dorsum and can curl-up for protecting the softer underside. They have seven pairs of legs, 2 pairs of antennae and appendages on the abdomen that are used for respiration and need to be kept moist. They are mainly active during the night and feed on plant material.
For details see the respective page in Wikipedia.
The following genera and individual species are currently entered under the Isopoda:
