... losing water easily via evaporation due to their outer skin being very permeable. This is why they prefer to remain in damp environments. It is said that in dry air, within two hours they will be dead, (www.science.org.uk). By observing them in different environments (e.g. light/dark, wet/dry), a significant difference in their behaviour and reaction should be seen. Woodlice tend to move quicker in dry places than damp places. You may also see them 'clump' together. This helps them to reduce their water loss as it reduces the surface area that is in the open air, as by less air passing their outer layer, less water is lost in that way. This is the same as when some plants that may have adapted to hotter climates have sunken stomata. This serves the same purpose. Woodlice lack the waxy cuticle that many insects and also plants have to reduce water loss by evaporation, ...

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