wood louse

any of certain small, terrestrial crustaceans of the genera Oniscus, Armadillidium, etc., having a flattened, elliptical body.

Origin of wood louse

First recorded in 1605–15

Many of these Crustaceans could roll themselves into balls, like the wood-louse (Figs. 23 and 25).

The World Before the Deluge |Louis Figuier
He picked up a wood-louse that was creeping along a piece of bark: "What is the difference between Caesar and this?"

The Mysterious Stranger and Other Stories |Mark Twain
Finally they came across the wood-louse, whom they found mentioned in the letter as "maid-servant."

Italian Popular Tales |Thomas Frederick Crane
The following is taken from his description: The caterpillar is shaped like a wood-louse, hairy, and pale green.

New Zealand Moths and Butterflies |G. V. Hudson

There was once a wood-louse, who, being dissatisfied with his position, called himself a Pterygobranchiate.

The Hypocrite |Cyril Arthur Edward Ranger Gull