Woodlice (Armadillidium Species)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Isopoda
Suborder: Oniscidea
Family: Armadillidiidae
Genus: Armadillidium
Species: Armadillidium
Photo below is of a species of Armadillidium found on the Te Henui walkway New Plymouth. There is about 36 species of terrestrial Isopoda (Slaters) known in New Zealand and are common inhabitants of nearly all environments.
Native species can be found in forested areas, grasslands, coastal dunes; several introduced species are inhabitants of disturbed areas and are very common in parks, gardens, and on farmlands. Slaters belong to the order Isopoda, which is a part of the arthropod class Crustacea. Most crustaceans - shrimp, crabs, lobsters, as well as many Isopoda - are marine dwellers, but slaters (suborder Oniscoidea) have become fully terrestrial. Terrestrial Isopoda vary slightly in appearance, but most are conspicuous and easily recognised by their elliptical, flattened segmented bodies, and seven pairs of legs.
Previous page: Auckland Tree Weta
Next page: Woodlice (Blue) Porcellio scaber