Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 2203611
Common Pill Woodlouse
Armadillidium vulgareAlso known as Roly-poly, Potato Bug, Slater, Doodlebug
Common pill woodlice are terrestrial crustaceans famous for their ability to roll into a seamless, protective ball when threatened or at risk of drying out. They spend their days hidden under damp rocks, rotting wood, and leaf litter, surfacing primarily at night to feed on decaying organic matter. Their copper-based blood carries oxygen through specialized gills that require high humidity to function properly.
Terrestrial IsopodDetritivoreNocturnal
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Leaf Litter
- Decaying Wood
- Fungi
Predators
- Woodlouse Spider
- Centipedes
- Toads
ThreatsPesticide applications, habitat desiccation, and soil contamination
HabitatsGardens, forests, grasslands, leaf litter, and under rocks or logs
Life span2–3 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderIsopoda
- FamilyArmadillidiidae
- GenusArmadillidium
- SpeciesArmadillidium vulgare
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans and safe to observe at close range.
Responsible observation
- Lift rocks gently: Carefully tilt logs or stones, replacing them right away to preserve humidity.
- Handle with care: Let them crawl onto an open palm without squeezing their soft undersides.
- Maintain moisture: Avoid keeping them out in warm dry air, as they dehydrate very rapidly.
Predator (c) Meghan Cassidy, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Meghan Cassidy · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Nash Turley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nash Turley · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.