Common Pillbug

Armadillidium vulgare

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Superorder: Peracarida
Order: Isopoda
Suborder: Oniscidea
Infraorder: Holoverticata
Family: Armadillidiidae
Genus: Armadillidium
Species: vulgare

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Armadillidium vulgare: /ˌɑːrməˌdɪˈlɪdiəm vʌlˈɡɛəri/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

ArmadillidiumVulgare by wikipedia. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Armadillidium vulgare male by Xeroporcellio. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Armadillidium vulgare 138264167 by Daniel Das. Used under a CC0 license.

Armadillidium vulgare 139124435 by Dee Shea Himes. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Armadillidium vulgare 140055882 by beetle_mch. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Armadillidium vulgare 143197881 by beetle_mch. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Armadillidium vulgare, commonly known as the common pill-bug, potato bug, or roly-poly, is a widely distributed terrestrial isopod native to the Mediterranean but found in various ecosystems due to its introduction worldwide. It is known for its ability to roll into a ball and is extensively kept as a pet due to its color variations.

Physical Characteristics

Armadillidium vulgare can reach a length of 18 millimetres and is capable of rolling into a ball when disturbed.

Identification Tips

Can be distinguished from Armadillidium nasatum and Armadillidium depressum by the absence of a gap when rolling into a ball.

Habitat

Humid places under stones, bricks, or logs; prefers calcareous soils or coastal areas.

Distribution

Native to the Mediterranean Basin, commonly found in southern and eastern England, Ireland; introduced to North America and other regions worldwide.

Diet

Feeds chiefly on decaying plant matter, and grazes lichens and algae from tree bark and walls.

Ecosystem Role

Modifies top soil layer; can influence pH, nutrient levels, and decomposition rates in its habitat.

Cultural Significance

Kept as pets by hobbyists for their wide range of color variations; seen as harmless household pests.

Evolution

Most metazoans have circular mitochondrial genomes, but A. vulgare has both circular and linear mitochondrial DNA.