Bug Identifier
Woodlouse (specifically a Pill Bug or Roly-poly)
Community identification

Woodlouse (specifically a Pill Bug or Roly-poly)

Armadillidium vulgare

Order & Family
Order: Isopoda; Family: Armadillidiidae
Size
Up to 18 mm (approx. 0.7 inches) in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark places such as under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and occasionally in basements or bathrooms with high moisture.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily detritivorous, feeding on decaying plant matter, fungi, and occasionally live seedling roots.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal; they are famous for their ability to roll into a tight ball (conglobation) when threatened. They breathe through gill-like structures and must remain in moist environments to survive.

Risks & Benefits

They are harmless to humans and do not bite or sting. Benefit the ecosystem by decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients into the soil; however, they can be minor pests in gardens if they eat young plants.