Sowbugs

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

Sensitive Benthos

Moderately Tolerant Benthos

Pollution Tolerant Benthos

Description:

somewhat flattened; resemble their terrestrial cousins: seven pairs of legs; color varies, usually gray, but sometimes brown: length less than 1 inch.

Reproduction:

eggs are carried under the female's abdomen until they hatch.

Food:

characterized as scavengers, eating both dead and live plant and animal debris.

Scientific Name:

Class: Crustacea
Order: Isopoda

Indicator Role:

Often indicates poorer water quality.

Information Source:

McDonald, B., W. Borden, J. Lathrop.1990. Citizen Stream Monitoring: A Manual for Illinois. Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources, ILENR/RE-WR-90/18. Springfield, Illinois.

Isopod