Armadillidium peraccae

Technical Sheet: Isopod Armadillidium peraccae

Scientific Name: Armadillidium peraccae

Family: Armadillidiidae

Order: Isopoda

Class: Malacostraca

Geographic Distribution:

• Main Region: Mediterranean
• Habitat: Found in humid terrestrial environments, such as soil, leaf litter, and areas with high moisture.

Description:

• Size: Typically measures between 10 and 15 mm in length.
• Coloration: Varies, but usually appears in shades of gray or brown, with some parts of the body possibly showing a whitish tint.
• Body Structure: The body is flat and oval-shaped, with segmented armor that allows it to roll into a ball as a defense mechanism, similar to other isopods in the Armadillidium genus.

Behavior:

• Habits: Mainly nocturnal and with subterranean behavior, which helps it retain moisture and protect itself from predators.
• Diet: Detritivore, feeding on decomposing organic matter such as dead leaves and plant debris.

Reproduction:

• Reproduction Method: Sexual.
• Development: Oviparous; the female lays eggs, which are incubated in a ventral pouch (marsupium) until the young are ready to hatch.

Ecology:

• Role in the Ecosystem: Plays an important role in the decomposition of organic matter and in soil structure. Contributes to soil fertility and the regulation of microorganisms.