I need help to identify this bug/insect.

Question

I live near the coast in NSW. Lately I have discovered lots of prawn like things on my back door mat. They are all dead & there would be about 100 at a time. They are approx 1/2 cm long with a shell,legs & head (just like a tiny prawn). They just appear overnight & I have not been able to identify them at all. Any idea?

Answer 1

they are commonly known as shell ticks, they are most prominate of a night and breed during the colder months(which is why u prob see more of them at this time of year) they are harmless but can poison animals when ingested so try and keep household pets away from the area.

Answer 2

Sounds like they could be a soil crustacean, Landhoppers (amphipods) are found in moist areas in leaf litter, where they feed on dead plant matter. They are less than 1 cm long, narrow and light coloured; when disturbed, they jump erratically, making them highly visible in the litter. If you search for amphipods you can see some pictures!

Answer 3

i dont know the name of em but they get sucked up into the rainclouds from out at sea and fall with the rain (dead of course) we used to see them in gutters after a big rain...they are like mini prawns they might be krill?like whale food??

Answer 4

Maybe a tick

Answer 5

No, but dont touch them, try and put them in a bottle and take them either to the local council or school science department for identification, they could be infectious, best not to touch them, or if you cant get there phone them and ask them to come to you, hope this helps you goodluck! :)