Lawn Shrimp
Have you ever found little shrimpy creatures in your pool drain or garage ? They might be amphipods. These tiny crustaceans are often called “lawn shrimp” for their resemblance to their sea-faring cousins. But they are not shrimp, nor are they insects.
Characteristics
Lawn shrimp are terrestrial amphipods, unlike most amphipods, which are aquatic and live in freshwater or marine environments. Originally from Australia, there are now about 90 species living in the United States and Canada. There are two species commonly found in Florida: Talitroides topitotum and Talitroides allaudi. A third terrestrial species, Arcitalitrus sylvaticus, is commonly found through the United States.
Lawn shrimp are ¼ to ¾ inches long with sideways-flattened bodies and multiple pairs of legs, including five main pairs used for walking. These amphipods have two pairs of antennae and one pair of eyes. The creatures are often pink and reside in soft ground or mulch up to ½ inches deep.
Lawn shrimp are scavengers, feeding on decomposing leaves, roots and other organic matter, making them a crucial component of nutrient cycling in the soil. They are most active at night, burrowing through the soil and breaking down detritus.
Female lawn shrimp carry eggs on the underside of their bodies in a pouch. The eggs hatch in one to three weeks, and the emerging juveniles go on to live about one year or less.
Management
Lawn shrimp prefer moist conditions but cannot tolerate either being fully submerged or completely dry. This is why they retreat during heavy rains or irrigation to patios, sidewalks or under doors. Ironically, they seek dry conditions but find themselves too dry and then perish. Once they die, lawn shrimp turn a dark brown or red color.
These amphipods are not considered pests, however lawn shrimp can be a nuisance when they collect in pool filters, on decks or inside the home. Management options include sweeping or vacuuming up the dead and disposing of them. Reducing the amount of water you use to irrigate can limit their retreat into homes and garages. Turning mulch can help dry it out and decrease populations. There are no recommended chemical controls.
Lawn shrimp are an important part of the life cycle of plants, helping decompose dead plant material. These tiny creatures will not harm the garden and can coexist alongside other organisms in the landscape. While a slight nuisance in some cases, there are actions you can take to limit their effects.
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