Family PORCELLIONIDAE

Porcellio scaber Latreille, 1804

Porcellio scaber is a widespread cosmopolitan species introduced from Europe. It is abundant throughout New Zealand in urban areas, along roads, and in coastal habitats (Chilton, 1910). There are records of P. scaber from native forests and it can sometimes penetrate considerable distances into the bush (Ward et al., 1999; Derraik et al., 2001).

This species can be easily recognised by the dorsal surface covered with raised bumps and the tri-lobed front margin of the head. In live animals two pairs of pleopodal lungs can be seen ventrally (not visible in preserved specimens). Colour variable, from uniform dull grey to mottled light brown. This species does not roll into a ball.