
Community identification
Woodlouse (pill bug/roly-poly)
Likely *Armadillidium vulgare*
- Order & Family
- Isopoda (order traditionally placed within Crustacea); family Armadillidiidae
- Size
- About 8–18 mm long.
Natural Habitat
Moist, dark places such as soil, leaf litter, under logs, stones, mulch, and damp structures. Often found near gardens and buildings.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds mainly on decaying plant matter, fungi, algae, and organic debris, occasionally rasping soft living plant tissue.
Behavior Patterns
Mostly nocturnal and moisture-dependent; hides during the day to prevent drying out. This species can curl into a tight ball when disturbed and produces multiple young in a brood pouch.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to people, pets, and buildings; it does not bite or sting. It helps decompose organic material and recycle nutrients, though large numbers may damage seedlings or soft fruits.