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?

In their natural environment, lawn shrimp reside in the moist, shaded areas of gardens and yards. They are typically found under layers of mulch, leaf litter, and other organic debris where they can stay hidden and protected from the sun.

These areas provide the necessary humidity and food sources that lawn shrimp need to thrive. They are detritivores, feeding on decaying plant material, which helps to maintain the health of the soil by breaking down organic matter into nutrients that can be used by plants.

6. Why They Turn Pinkish-Orange After They Die and Dry Out

The pinkish-orange coloration of dead lawn shrimp is primarily due to the presence of carotenoid pigments in their exoskeleton. These pigments are common in many crustaceans and are responsible for the vibrant colors seen in cooked shrimp and lobsters.

When lawn shrimp die and their bodies dry out in the sun, these pigments become more visible, giving them the appearance of tiny cooked shrimp. This process is similar to the way carotenoids become more pronounced in seafood when exposed to heat.

7. Are Lawn Shrimp Dangerous to People, Pets, or Plants?