Say hello to this little woodlouse friend
Woodlice are rad. And they're crustaceans!
They eat dead and decaying stuff—vegetarian only—and play a huge part in the natural carbon dioxide cycle. They even increase the fertility of soil.
So, be chill with them. I had a friend who picked one up once and it exploded a thousand tiny babies on her. She wasn’t pleased, and I think it gave her a phobia of these wee crawlers. If your skin’s on the itch now, don’t even worry about it; they’re not interested in being on you. I’m as sure of that as I am that Golden Brown is the perfect song to pair with my little video star friend. You’re a just a texture to them and not one they’re all about. Imagine just being a landscape. Anyway, side note: if you’re not ready for more amazing facts, you’d better get out of here.
They don’t convert ammonia into a uric acid like most animals. Translation: they do not pass water, rather they gas through their shell. They gas!
More effluvia. They’ve got uropods at the end of their bodies that release a terrible smell when they’re in danger. (I mean, same.)
They’re the only crustaceans that don’t spend their time on or near water. You’ll notice they do like moist space though, so they don’t dessicate.
True blue blood! Their version of hemoglobin is hemocyanin—you see the “cyan” in that, right? Well, this protein transports the oxygen around, just like hemoglobin does for us, only theirs has a copper core that reacts with oxygen to turn blue. So, when they’re low on oxygen, their blood goes pale. Oh, also, their lungs are on the outside and are whitish spots on the underside that you can see with your own eyes. Nice.
They can live up to four years old. Amazing.
Check out this cutie I met. Filmed on an iPhone 5S with a macro lens in a homemade insect holder. (Yes, I let her back out afterward.) Best moment is when she gives the plastic a little nibble trying to get out! Very cute.
