Backyard Biology - Pillbug (Armadillidium vulgare)

This little guy is commonly called a pillbug and its scientific name is Armadillidium vulgare. They are common throughout the world where damp conditions exist (especially around decomposing plants). Like the millipede, it is part of the phylum Arthropoda. It sports several body segments and a protective exoskeleton. It can curl up into a ball for protection from predators or other cataclysmic events such as random people digging up the soil around it and trying to pick it up :). Pillbugs, like millipedes, predominantly feed on decaying plant matter which helps recycle nutrients back into the soil. They are harmless and pose no threat for gardeners or the curious trying to get a close look.

I'd like to note how successful their body plan is, since it works both underwater and on the surface (albeit on different scales) and has existed for millions of years. It is an evolutionary success before our eyes which we seldom pause to think about.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• backyard
• biology
• pillbug
• Armadillidium
• vulgare
• evolution

[thetoughguy7]

i think these things are yucky =.=

[Rustpuke]

you shouldn't watch my earthworm video in that case

[pinksunflower100]

is that a glossy? it's quite a big pillbug.

[thetoughguy7]

@Rustpuke

I tough guy such as myself has to take on some challenges.

[Falador321]

i remember when i use to pick them up when i was little, they would turn into a little ball as a defense mechanism

[hunterziegelmann]

ther aer two of these on my keyboard that i got from under a peice of wood by the shed and every time i hit the "D" key one get the crap shook outt him.

[MidnightAquarius1]

@thetoughguy7 Your names lies "tough guy" ;P Finding a little harmless bug to be "yucky"