An Encounter with Sowbugs on a tree trunk at the outskirts of the Creek Park in Dubai

There is something oval, gray and fast moving on the tree trunk 

Sowbugs are armored and segmented land-based crustaceans

I usually encounter sowbugs along with leaf litter on the ground

It was a big surprise to see them freely moving on the trunk

The challenge was to capture that shot as they crawl along the world of bark 

It was a humid morning at the outskirts of the Creek Park in Dubai, The morning fog has just cleared, the insects were beginning to fly and buzz around the grasses and the trees. I was engaged in a photo pursuit of a troop of yellow paper wasps landing and lifting-off from a tree trunk, when suddenly my attention was captured by something oval, gray colored and fast moving on the tree trunk. I encountered sowbugs, not on the base of the tree nor on the leaf litter around it, these isopods were crawling on the intricate caverns emanating from the bark covering the tree trunk. 

SOWBUGS (CRUSTACEA: ISOPODA)

Sowbugs (also called as Woodlouse) have segmented bodies, oval-shaped, convex in form on top and concave (flat) on the bottom. They are dark to dark gray in color with a shell-like exoskeleton. They have 7 pairs of legs (yes you read it right, 7 pairs of legs!) and 2 pairs of antennae with 1 pair only visible. They are 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm) long, They have two main appendages which project from the rear end of the body. 

Sowbugs are closely related to shrimps and crayfish than insects. These ISOPODS are the only CRUSTACEANS adopted entirely to living on land (TERRESTRIAL).     

DISTRIBUTION OF SOWBUGS

Sowbugs are cosmopolitan, terrestrial crustaceans observed thriving in various locations and conditions. Reports indicate that there are about 3700 species worldwide. 

BIODYNAMICS NOTES

Sowbugs are scavengers, feeding mainly on decaying organic matter (detritus). They thrive in areas of high moisture. they tend to conceal themselves in dark, moist areas throughout the day and actively move at night. They are commonly observed in areas where there is compost, underneath mulch and stones, under flower pots and outdoor rugs, leaf litter and damp soil. They can also be observed in large numbers on grass edges along sidewalks and foundations.  

Sowbugs are moisture dependent. They cannot survive indoors for more than a few days unless there is a high moisture source inside. 

Interestingly, sowbugs molt differently as compared with other arthropods. They shed their old exoskeleton progressively as they grow and this happens in two stages. First the back half, from the abdomen (pleon) to the thorax (pereon) molts, followed 2 to 3 days after by the half of pereon to the head (cephalothorax). 

It is important to highlight that sowbugs DO NOT bite, sting or carry diseases. They DO NOT infest food, attack clothing or inflict damage on wood. As stated above, they prefer outdoor moist environments but they can occasionally enter or be introduced into premises. 

Because of their weird and primitive appearance, people find their presence disturbing or a nuisance especially when seen in large numbers indoors. It should be noted that their presence indoors can indicate moisture issues (dampness, water leaks), ventilation problems and a steady source of decaying organic matter. Gaps on doors, crack and crevices on walls and floors also grant them access. These issues must be address to curtail their numbers indoors in support to residual or spot spray treatments. (Spray pesticides judiciously, apply only when needed, on areas where it is needed and at the right amount).

It was truly a fascinating encounter to see these terrestrial crustaceans moving about on the bark of a tree trunk. It was amazing to see how they are adapting and utilizing the resources available to them high upon the trunk of a tree!  

Sowbugs are truly awesome detrivores! Encountering tree trunk dwelling sowbugs super awesome!

Awesome creature! AWESOME CREATOR!

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com