European Pillbugs
Armadillidiidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Malacostraca
- Superorder: Peracarida
- Order: Isopoda
- Suborder: Oniscidea
- Infraorder: Holoverticata
- Family: Armadillidiidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Armadillidiidae: //ˌɑːrmədɪˈlɪdiiːaɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The family Armadillidiidae consists of terrestrial crustaceans known for their ability to roll into a ball, primarily found in damp environments, feeding on decomposing plant matter and serving important ecological roles as detritivores.
Physical Characteristics
Uropods shorter than the last abdominal segment; segmented body structure with overlapping plates called tergites.
Identification Tips
Armadillidium species have triangular- or trapezoidal-shaped telsons, while American species of Armadillidae have hourglass-shaped telsons.
Habitat
Terrestrial environments, often found in decaying plant matter in damp areas.
Distribution
Primarily native to the Western Palaeactic; three species introduced worldwide, with significant populations in North America.
Diet
Largely made up of decaying plant matter; may also consume living plants, decaying animal flesh, or feces.
Ecosystem Role
Detritivores that contribute to soil organic matter retention and carbon balance.
Economic Impact
Can be serious pests in agriculture, damaging crops such as corn, beans, soybeans, and strawberries. Have been reported as house pests.
Cultural Significance
Commonly known as pill bugs or roly polies; also referred to as slaters, potato bugs, butchy boys, and doodle bugs.
Evolution
Conglobation is a key evolutionary adaptation shared with unrelated animals like pill millipedes and armadillos, likely evolved as a defense mechanism.
Misconceptions
Often confused with pill millipedes, which are unrelated.
Tags
- Armadillidiidae
- Pill bugs
- Roly polies
- Isopoda