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 belong to the species Arcitalitrus sylvaticus, which is part of the Talitridae family within the order Amphipoda. Originally native to Australia, they have spread to various parts of the world, particularly in regions with warm, humid climates.

These terrestrial amphipods have adapted remarkably well to environments outside their native range, often hitching rides in potted plants and soil. Once established, they can thrive in a variety of settings, provided there is enough moisture and organic material to sustain them.

4. How Heavy Rains Turn Your Yard Into a Lawn Shrimp Graveyard

Lawn shrimp thrive in moist environments but are highly susceptible to drowning in waterlogged conditions. During heavy rains, their usual habitats become inundated, forcing them to seek higher ground to escape the water.

As they move to drier areas, such as walkways and patios, they often find themselves trapped once the rain stops. Without the moisture they need to survive, lawn shrimp quickly dry out and perish, leaving behind their distinctive pinkish-orange carcasses scattered across the ground.

5. Where Lawn Shrimp Live When They’re Not On Your Concrete