Porcellio laevis

Porcellio laevis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Isopoda
Suborder: Oniscidea
Family: Porcellionidae
Genus: Porcellio
Species: P. laevis
Binomial name
Porcellio laevis
Latreille, 1804

Porcellio laevis (commonly called the swift woodlouse, or smooth slater in Australia) is a species of woodlouse in the genus Porcellio. It has a cosmopolitan distribution,[1] and has been introduced to Australia, including Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island.[2]

As the species epithet laevis as well as the vernacular name "swift woodlouse" suggests, the species is capable of quick bursts of speed when provoked. It occurs under rocks and fallen logs in damp areas, and is otherwise rarely encountered.

See also

References

  1. Michael C. Quinlan & Neil F. Hadley (1983). "Water relations of the terrestrial isopods Porcellio laevis and Porcellionides pruinosus (Crustacea, Oniscoidea)". Journal of Comparative Physiology B: Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology 151 (2): 155–161. doi:10.1007/BF00689913.
  2. "Porcellio laevis Latreille". Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. November 11, 2004.
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