Isopods are a type of arthropod that belong to the family of crustaceans. While the word "isopod" is familiar to many, this unique creature also goes by other names. Some common synonyms for isopods include pillbugs, roly-polies, woodlice, and sowbugs. These names typically reflect the isopod's appearance or behavior in some way. For example, woodlice are so named because they are often found in damp, decaying wood, while pillbugs curl into a ball like a pill when threatened. Despite their many names, isopods all share similar characteristics - they have a hard exoskeleton and segmented bodies, and are often found in moist environments.