common striped woodlouse

<em>Philoscia muscorum</em>, the common striped woodlouse, is a terrestrial isopod crustacean in the family Philosciidae, order Isopoda. It is widely distributed across Europe and has been recorded in southern Africa, typically inhabiting moist, sheltered microhabitats such as leaf litter, under logs and stones, in hedgerows, and in damp grassland and woodland edges. The species is readily identified by the distinctive pale mid-dorsal stripe running the length of its dark brown to olive body, and moves relatively quickly compared to other woodlouse species. <em>Philoscia muscorum</em> is a detritivore, feeding on decaying organic matter, fungi, and algae, and plays an important role in decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. It is also an important prey item for ground-feeding birds, spiders, and small mammals. Biological traits including precise average lifespan, body dimensions under field conditions, and reproductive parameters remain poorly documented at the species level. The species is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no major threats identified across its range.