You may sometimes see a woodlouse which is two toned. For example the front half of the body may be a pinkish colour and the back half may be the "normal" grayish colour. This occurs because the woodlouse moults its exoskeleton in two sections. It first moults the back half of its exoskeleton, then a few days later it moults the front half.

Their respiratory surfaces are simple pseudo-lungs with a pore opening to the outside to allow exchange of gases in and out of the lung. This pore is unable to be closed and so water is able to continuously diffuse (or transpire) from the inner surface of the psuedo-lung out into the surroundings.

The most effective, long-term measure for reducing indoor entry of these pests is to minimize moisture and hiding places near the foundation. Leaves, grass clippings, heavy accumulations of mulch, boards, stones, boxes, and similar items laying on the ground beside the foundation should be removed, since these often attract and harbor sowbugs and pillbugs. Items that cannot be removed should be elevated off the ground.

Have you ever turned over a rock or old board and discovered a small, hard-shelled creature resembling a miniature armadillo? Woodlice are not insects but rather land-dwelling relatives of the crabs and lobsters. Most are rarely more than l/2-inch long. They are excellent subjects for indoor study because they Iive a long time, are easily reared on simple fare, and react readi1y to experiments.

Woodlice fall into a category of animal called crustacea because they have a hard shell. They evolved from sea based life forms as opposed to insects for example, which evolved from land based life forms. A woodlice's skin is therefore permeable - it lets water in and out. If they did not live in damp places they would dry out as the water left their bodies through their permeable skin.

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