After the heavy rains last night, my walkway is covered in these dead, pinkish-orange creatures. They look like tiny cooked shrimp or curled-up worms. I’m nowhere near the ocean. What is this thing?

Lawn shrimp, scientifically known as Arcitalitrus sylvaticus, are terrestrial amphipods that typically measure around 5 to 10 millimeters in length. They are not true shrimp, but their appearance is somewhat reminiscent of their aquatic relatives. These small creatures thrive in moist environments, often found in gardens and yards where they can remain hidden under leaf litter or mulch.

In their natural habitat, lawn shrimp are generally harmless, feeding on decaying plant matter and helping to recycle nutrients back into the soil. Their presence can go unnoticed until heavy rains force them to seek refuge on higher ground, such as walkways and patios. Unfortunately, once the rains subside, these tiny creatures are often left stranded and dry out quickly, resulting in the pinkish-orange appearance that many homeowners are familiar with.

2. Why They Look Like Cooked Shrimp (But Aren’t From the Ocean)