Asellus aquaticus

Asellus aquaticus is a freshwater crustacean resembling a woodlouse. It is known by common names including 'waterlouse', 'aquatic sowbug' and 'water hoglouse'. Known as 'cress bugs' to anglers, Asellus aquaticus is common throughout the temperate zone including Europe, Russia, and North America. It is found in rivers, streams and standing water particularly where there are plenty of stones under which it hides although not where the water is strongly acidic. It is a detrivore. Asellus aquaticus is relatively tolerant of a range of pollutants and has been used as an indicator of water quality. 'Asellus aquaticus' can breed throughout the year, if the temperature is high enough: they do not breed under cold temperatures. Maturity can be reached in few months under warm summer temperatures, but maturation may take as much as two years in permanently cold water bodies (e.g., high-latitude or mountain waters). Life span varies similarly: from 9 months in South Africa to 20 months in Northern Europe. Females carry eggs in brood pouches underneath their body. A number of subspecies are considered to be endangered including: