Sow bugs, often mistaken for insects, are small terrestrial crustaceans belonging to the order Isopoda, more closely related to shrimp and lobsters than to insects. These oval-shaped creatures, typically gray and segmented, are found globally in moist environments. Sow bugs play a significant role in ecosystems as detritivores, meaning they primarily feed on decaying organic matter. Their dietary habits are directly linked to their habitat preferences and their overall impact on both natural environments and human spaces.
Primary Diet: Decomposers of Organic Matter
Sow bugs primarily consume decaying plant material, acting as nature’s recyclers. Their main diet consists of rotting leaves, wood, and other dead plant matter found in damp environments. They also feed on fungi, algae, and mosses, which are abundant in moist, shaded areas. This consumption of decomposing organic material is crucial for nutrient cycling, as sow bugs break down debris into smaller particles, returning nutrients to the soil.
Sow bugs also obtain moisture and calcium from these decaying sources, both of which are necessary for their survival and the maintenance of their hard exoskeletons. They are nocturnal, venturing out at night to feed and find shelter in damp spaces during the day to prevent desiccation.
Occasional Dietary Habits and Food Preferences
While decaying matter is their preferred food, sow bugs can exhibit opportunistic feeding behaviors under certain conditions. When their primary food sources become scarce, particularly during dry periods, they may seek out tender living plant matter to obtain both nutrients and moisture. This can include feeding on young roots, seedlings, or the lower leaves of plants that touch the ground. Specific plant parts they might consume include fruits and vegetables lying on damp soil, such as strawberries or cucumbers. They can obtain this mineral from various sources, including mineral soil, shed exoskeletons, or even animal remains and feces.
Sow Bugs in Gardens and Homes
Sow bugs are commonly found in gardens and around homes because these environments often provide the moist, dark conditions and abundant decaying organic matter they need. They are often found under mulch, compost, stones, and leaf litter.
However, under specific circumstances, such as high populations or prolonged dry spells that reduce decaying matter, sow bugs may turn to live plants, potentially damaging seedlings or tender produce. Indoors, sow bugs are typically a nuisance rather than a threat, as they do not bite or sting and cannot cause structural damage. Their presence indoors usually indicates high moisture levels or accessible entry points, as they seek damp areas like basements or crawl spaces to survive.