What is porcellionides pruinosus?

Porcellionides pruinosus is a species of woodlouse commonly known as the pruinose or powdery isopod. It is native to the Mediterranean region but is now found in other parts of the world. The pruinose isopod is commonly found in urban gardens, parks, and forests, and is an important decomposer in these ecosystems.

The pruinose isopod is typically grey in color with a powdery appearance due to a coating of wax on its exoskeleton. It has seven pairs of legs and can grow up to 18 mm in length. It is primarily nocturnal and feeds on decaying plant matter, fungi, and other decomposing organic matter.

Porcellionides pruinosus is known to be resistant to a variety of environmental stressors, including polluted soils, heavy metals, and low oxygen levels. This makes it an important bioindicator species for monitoring the health of urban ecosystems.

In addition to its ecological importance, the pruinose isopod is also used in laboratory settings as a model organism for studying behavior, physiology, and genetics. Its ability to survive and thrive in a range of environments makes it a useful animal for research.