They are most easily found in Spring and Autumn during moderate to low temperatures under shelter such as bark and boards left in shaded conditions. High summer temperatures (up to 32 degrees C) cause the woodlice to retreat deeper into shelter, similarly very cold winter temperatures (down to -5 degrees C) also cause them to retreat further into shelter. Slaters show a positive orthokinesis as the temperature increases or decreases from their preferred value. Their rate of turning increases similarly. By moving in this way they are more likely to find favourable temperature conditions and escape dangerous and unnecessary desiccation[3]. This is because Slaters lack a waxy cuticle on their exoskeleton making it permeable to water. They also contain a primitive lung structure in two of their pleopods of which open to the external environment through a simple pore during respiration. This means that they are again likely to be vulnerable to temperature, as the direct exposure of their respiratory surfaces to the environment increases their likelihood of water loss through evaporation[2]. Therefore Slaters live in cool conditions to prevent water loss.
Light Intensity.
Slaters show a negative Phototaxis. When exposed to high light intensities they move towards darker conditions. This is because brighter conditions tend to be warmer and drier than dark ones, so this response to light is in favour of once again decreasing desiccation through their permeable exoskeleton and exposed respiratory surfaces[3].
Humidity: Slaters show a kinesis type response to humidity. They show an increase in movement (Orthokinesis) and increased rate of turning (Klinokinesis) in dry conditions and slower rates of movement in more humid conditions. This response causes them to accumulate in humid regions where they are less likely to desiccate and loose water due to their permeable exoskeleton and exposed respiratory surfaces.