Pill Bug (Armadillidium vulgare)

What Are Pill Bugs?

Native to Europe and a number of other parts of the world, Pill Bugs belong to the family Armadillidiidae and the genus Armadillidium.

Most commonly known as “Roly Polys” and “Pill Woodlouse”, this species of isopod gets its name from its ability to curl itself up into a tight ball for protection.

Rolie Polies prefer damp, dark, and humid conditions, so they are often found in areas near streams or moist woodlands.

What Do Pill Bugs Look Like?

Pill Bugs are small, armor-plated crustaceans with oval, convex bodies and two small antennae at the front.

Armadillidium vulgare as a species can grow up to be 0.25 to .5 inches in length. Roly Poly Bugs range in color from gray to black, with some having a blueish tint.

This species of isopod has 7 movable body segments, each protected by a hard, single-piece exoskeleton.

On the underside, there are four pairs of legs, all ending in characteristic paddle-like shapes.

Pill Bugs also have two tail-like appendages called uropods, which help them roll up into a ball when disturbed.

Benefits Of Using Pill Bugs

Live Pill Bugs make for a great addition to vivariums, and not just for their aesthetic value.

Not only are they small and easy to care for, but they are also beneficial to the overall ecosystem in bioactive terrariums.

Armadillidium vulgare feed on dead and decaying matter which helps break down organic material and aerate the soil.

They also add additional protein and fat to the soil and can help regulate the population levels of other inhabitants in the tank.

Additionally, watching the Pill Bug move and forage for food can be surprisingly entertaining for the observer.

Best of all, having live Rolie Polies in any enclosure is a great way to introduce kids to learning about and caring for small organisms.

Pill Bug Facts

Pill Bugs are small terrestrial crustaceans that measure 1/2 of an inch long and have an exoskeleton composed of seven overlapping flexible plates.

In both the wild and in captivity, they are opportunistic detrivores.

Males can be distinguished from females by their longer antennae and a distinct groove on the underside of their last joint.

Although they can live for up to three years in captivity, they typically reach maturity after four months.

Habitat

Pill Bugs, or Armadillidium vulgare, are native to many parts of the world, with the discovery of their origins dating back to the late 1800s.

They are one of the few species of isopods and can be found in coastal areas, gardens, moist habitats, or any area where there is a lot of damp organic matter.

In the wild, these scavengers can be unearthed from rotting wood, under logs, and in jumbled-up piles of leaves, bark, and other organic material.

They particularly love moist environments with lots of decaying vegetation because it provides them with ample food sources.

Diet

In their natural habitat, Pill Bugs feed on components of decaying organic matter such as dead leaves, decaying wood, fallen fruit, and even live plants.

They also eat fungi, algae, small amounts of healthy soil, and other plant matter like fines and small pebbles.

Armadillidium vulgare tends to be most active after rainfall and during warm, humid days. They usually are spotted in shady areas, but they also often come out in the sun during warm days.

Pill Woodlouse can survive without water, but they will drink it if it’s available. They mostly consume it through the food they eat.

Temperament

Pill Bugs are known for having a peaceful temperament and usually stay away from humans and other animals.

They are also surprisingly fast and agile as they can roll up into tight little balls when startled.

They also tend to live alone, making them the ideal pet if you need something that is low maintenance and easy to care for.

Although they are harmless and won’t cause any damage to your garden, if handled roughly, their spiky exoskeleton can deliver a scratch or two if handled carelessly.

They don’t usually compete for food, or bother each other, but can make great friends if they are housed together in the same terrarium or habitat.

Lifespan

Pill Bugs have a relatively short lifespan of up to three years and can reproduce twice in the span of their life.

They go through three life stages: egg, juvenile, and adult. During the spring and early summer months, female Rolie Polies will lay up to 200 eggs that hatch during the summer.

Within three to four weeks, these juvenile Pill Woodlouse will reach their adult stage and have a lifespan of several months.

They reproduce a second time during the fall months, ensuring that the next generation of Pill Bugs will make it through the winter.

During the winter season, Armadillidium vulgare becomes inactive and enters a type of hibernation to prepare for the warm weather and the new growth.

Breeding

Armadillidium vulgare mate and reproduce in a typical way for isopods.

An adult male will approach a female and initiate the mating process by tapping her shell with his antennas.

When she accepts his mating attempt, the male will embrace the female and create a sperm packet.

The female will then form a brood pouch on the underside of her body to hold the sperm packet.

After mating, the female is capable of producing anywhere from 10-15 eggs at a time.

These eggs will remain in her pouch until they hatch, which usually takes between 7-14 days. The baby Pill Bugs, which are called nymphs, will then be released into the environment.

Nymphs look like smaller versions of adults, but they will molt a few times before they reach adulthood.

During the adulthood period, they will undergo multiple mating sessions in order to produce more eggs.

Where To Find Pill Bugs

Finding wild Pill Bugs or those for sale is relatively easy, as they are widely distributed across the world.

Although you may come across them in gardens and parks, Rolie Polies prefer moist wooded areas and other fairly shaded spots where they can hide from predators.

Pill Bugs are also widely available for sale, either in bulk or individually, from pet stores and online retailers.

Most Roly Poly Bugs sold commercially are cheaper than a single pet, although prices may vary depending on the supplier.