Armadillidiidium vulgare
Physical Features
They have a hard exoskeleton, three basic body parts, and are dark gray to white. They have seven pairs of legs and two pairs of antennae. They have appendages at the end of their abdomen called uropods. Females have growths at the base of some legs to hold eggs while they are developing. Breathe through gills since they are isopods. They are commonly known as “roly-polies.”
Life Cycle
Complete metamorphosis
The female holds up to 100 eggs in pouches at the base of her legs. Immatures will stay in the pouches after hatching for a few days. They look similar to adult forms. They will molt 4-5 times before becoming sexually mature.
Habits
- Diet: Dead or decaying animals, sometimes plants.
- Activity: Some species are nocturnal.
- Preferred Climate: Humid
- Defense: Roll up when disturbed.
- Cautions: Not a threat
- Home Invasion: Primarily live outdoors. Will come indoors if moisture and food available.
Helpful Hints
- Eliminate moisture near or in the home.
- Minimize hiding places
- Remove items such as boxes, boards, stones, etc. since these often attract these bugs
- Humidity should be reduced in crawl spaces and basements
- Seal cracks and openings in the outside foundation wall and around doors and windows
- Recommend regular pest control service plan.
Interesting Facts
Molting occurs in two stages. The first half sheds then the second half sheds, therefore, the pill bug can be two different colors when this is happening. Pill bugs are known as roly-polies.
Symptoms
They are medically harmless and mainly a nuisance.
Nesting Sites
Consistently moist areas.
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