Subject: What’s this bug?
Location: Drumheller, Alberta, Canada
February 10, 2013 8:43 pm
This bug was in the basement where I home brew my own beer. There is a lot of grain sitting around but all in sealed containers. Just wondering what kind of bug this is?
Signature: Neil
Hi Neil,
This Woodlouse and its relatives were probably living in your basement long before it became a home brewery, but you probably didn’t notice them because you didn’t spend as much time there before. Woodlice are terrestrial Isopods that are classified as Crustaceans. According to BugGuide: “Woodlice need organic matter, which can be found in most soils, and they need cool moist conditions. Many places that might seem too hot and dry have cool hiding places where they can wait out the dryness and heat. Woodlice hide during the day anywhere cool and dark, so they’re easily when the items they hide in are moved. They can be found anywhere humans live and cool, moist conditions exist.” BugGuide also notes that they eat: “Plant material, usually dead. If live plants are soft and moist enough on the outside, they will eat them and sometimes do damage.” Woodlice are also known as Pill Bugs and Rollie Pollies.