[Taxacom] Can anyone help to identify what is this?

[George D.F. (Buz) Wilson]

This is a terrestrial isopod: a crustacean of the order Isopoda, 
suborder Oniscidea. I can't be certain about which group as the images 
are not quite good enough. The bluish colour may be caused by a virus 
that infests some oniscideans, as you can find blue and slate coloured 
specimens in the same population. Oniscideans may not "bite" (they are 
herbivores or detritovores), although some species might have strong 
legs with sharp claws. While desiring to avoid a discussion about the 
value of "common names", I do prefer the name "slater" over "wood louse".

Happy 2009, Taxacom!

Buz Wilson
Australian Museum

Kehan Harman wrote:
> Here's a link to images for Lau Kah Hoo's request. Looks like some kind
> of wood louse to me but what do I know I'm a botanist.
> http://www.care2.com/c2c/photos/view/136/107887686/Darwin_bug/
>
>   
>> On Tue, 2008-12-30 at 06:44 +0000, Lau Kah Hoo wrote:
>>     
>>> It seems that the attachment couldn't go along.
>>>
>>> Here I try again.
>>>
>>>
>>> Dear Taxacomers, My cousin who is in Darwin sent me an image of a
>>>       
> (bug?). Can anyone please help to identify it as this 'blue-ish'
> creature bites! Thank you.
>   
>