They are active in the evening and run rapidly, superficially resembling cockroaches in form and behavior. Another group of crustaceans, Order Amphipoda ,occurs in salt and fresh water habitats. One freshwater amphipod species, Hyalella azteca , builds up in large numbers in temporary ponds and puddles. When their aquatic habitats dry up they leave in search of other bodies of water and occasionally invade homes and structures, hopping about. Texas crayfish are poorly known, with five species occurring in Brazos County.
Females lay eggs that they carry in a pouch underneath the body.
Eggs hatch into young sowbugs and pillbugs that resemble adults but are smaller. They remain in the pouch up to 2 months after hatching. Development to adults occurs in about a year and they breed mainly in the spring. They may live up to 3 years. Up to three broods may be produced annually.