Common pill bug — printable fact sheet

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Common pill bug

Armadillidium vulgare

The common pill bug, also known as the roly-poly, is a small terrestrial crustacean that is often found in moist environments like gardens, under logs, and leaf litter. It is easily recognized by its segmented, oval, grayish exoskeleton and its ability to roll into a tight ball …

Classification

Invertebrate

Family

Armadillidiidae

Habitat

Moist terrestrial environments, such as under logs, rocks, and leaf litter

Diet

Detritivore

Conservation status

Least Concern

Lifespan

2-5 years

Weight

0.1-0.2 grams

Scientific name

Armadillidium vulgare

Did you know?

Despite living on land, pill bugs still breathe through gills and can drown if submerged in water for too long.
Pill bugs are not insects, but terrestrial crustaceans closely related to shrimp and crabs. They can absorb water vapor directly through their exoskeleton and require moisture to survive. When disturbed, they roll up into a ball to protect their soft underside from predators.

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