These bugs, also known as roly-poly bugs, were originally introduced from the Old World. They were identified to species with the help of the expert volunteers at BugGuide. Pillbugs can be differentiated from the Sowbugs by their lack of visible twin tails. Pillbugs are able to roll up into a ball when threatened. They are about 1/2 inch long, and are important in the decomposition of rotting wood.
These creatures are not often seen out in the open in our two nature centers, unless one turns over rotting logs.
Female pillbugs keep their eggs in a pouch very similar to kangaroos. The young spend their first hours or days in this pouch before breaking free from their mother.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.