8 Facts About the Fascinating Roly-Poly

Introduction

• Roly-poly, also known as pill bug, is a terrestrial crustacean with an insect-like appearance.
• Known for rolling into a ball when threatened.
• Found worldwide in temperate terrestrial ecosystems.

Fast Facts

• Common Name: Roly-poly or pill bug
• Scientific Name: Armadillidium vulgare
• Average Lifespan in the Wild: 1.5 years
• IUCN Red List Status: Not evaluated
• Current Population: Unknown

Detailed Facts

1. Various Names

• Known by multiple names: pill bugs, doodlebugs, wood shrimp, woodlice.
• UK names include chiggypigs, penny sows, and cheesybugs.
• Not harmful to humans despite eating some plants.

2. Not Really Bugs

• Although called pill bugs, they are crustaceans related to lobsters and crabs.
• Only crustaceans adapted to live entirely on land.
• Size: 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length.

3. Gills for Breathing

• Breathe through gills, suitable for water environments.
• To prevent drying, active at night and stay in damp areas.

4. Rolling Defense Mechanism

• Roll into a ball (conglobation) to protect soft underparts and retain moisture.

5. Unusual Bodily Functions

• Tolerate ammonia gas and don't urinate; excrete waste through shells.
• Practice self-coprophagy for nutrient recycling.
• Drink through mouth or rear-end tube structures.

6. Soil Composting

• Feed on dead plant matter aiding the decomposition process.
• Transform organic matter back into the soil.

7. Metal Consumption

• Can ingest heavy metals like copper and zinc.
• Used in pollution studies due to their ability to thrive in contaminated areas.

8. Egg Carrying

• Females carry eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch.
• Young may return to the pouch post-hatching.

FAQs

• Why are roly-polies sometimes half pink?
  • Due to molting of exoskeleton in two parts.
• Origin: Native to the Mediterranean, but widespread due to plant trade.
• Why live on land?
  • Transitioned from water to land millions of years ago; reasons largely unknown.
• Garden Benefits: While beneficial for composting, they can harm young plants.
• Defense Behavior: Roll into a ball when threatened or to maintain moisture.

Conclusion

• Roly-polies play significant roles in ecosystems, especially in soil health and as pollution indicators.
• Despite their appearance, they are not insects but crucial terrestrial crustaceans.