Technical information on Trichorhina tomentosa.
Scientific Name:
- Trichorhina tomentosa
Common Names:
- Pill bug
- Bicho bolita
- White woodlouse
- Moisture bug
Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Malacostraca
- Order: Isopoda
- Family: Trichoniscidae
- Genus: Trichorhina
Distribution: Originally from North America, it is widely distributed worldwide, especially in moist environments such as organic soils and dark places.
Morphological Description:
- Size: Adults are approximately 5-8 mm long.
- Body: Oval, segmented into several sections, with a resilient exoskeleton.
- Color: Usually varies between brown and gray, although some individuals may have a white or light gray tint.
- Antennae: Short.
Biology and Behavior:
- Environment: Prefers moist habitats, commonly found in areas with decomposing organic material.
- Diet: Detritivore, feeds on decomposing organic material such as plant debris and leaves.
- Reproduction: Simple reproductive cycle; females carry eggs in a ventral pouch until they hatch.
Utility in the Breeding of Other Animals:
- Feeding: Ideal as food for other insects and reptiles in captivity due to its natural and nutrient-rich diet.
- Maintenance: Easy to care for in controlled environments due to its adaptability to humidity conditions and detritivorous nature.
Significance in Research: Used as a model organism in scientific studies, especially in research on animal behavior, ecology, and physiology.
