Nosy Pillbug
Armadillidium nasatum
This record describes Armadillidium nasatum (species). Recorded family: Armadillidiidae. Recorded order: Isopoda.
Identification and Appearance
Best told from A. vulgare by the conspicous nose tab and the rounded telson tip. The color pattern can also be used but there is some overlap that makes it very hard to confidentially tell them apart using color without experience
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Malacostraca
- Order
- Isopoda (Isopods)
- Suborder
- Oniscidea
- Family
- Armadillidiidae (European Pillbugs)
- Genus
- Armadillidium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grasslands, quarries, gardens, greenhouses
Geographic Range
native to sw. Europe, adventive in the New World ; in our area, e. NA (NS―GA to MN―NE―TX) and w. NA (BC―CA―CO)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Armadillidium nasatum Budde-Lund 1885
About Isopods: the wider group
Order-level background for Isopoda, the group containing Armadillidium nasatum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Isopoda includes ~10,000 described species of woodlice, pill bugs, and sea slaters. Woodlice are the only crustaceans to have fully adapted to life on land. Pill bugs (roly-polies) can roll into a perfect ball for defense.
Ecological role of the group
Woodlice are critical soil decomposers, breaking down dead plant material and recycling calcium and other nutrients. They breathe through gill-like structures and require moist environments. Giant deep-sea isopods (Bathynomus) can grow up to 50cm long.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Woodlice are generally beneficial in gardens as decomposers, though they can occasionally damage seedlings and soft fruits in large numbers.
Recorded sources for this group: Soil ecology research, marine biology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Nosy Pillbug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Robin McLeod , Ted Kropiewnicki , v belov , Astrobirder
Frequently Asked Questions About Nosy Pillbug
What is Nosy Pillbug?
Nosy Pillbug (Armadillidium nasatum) is a species in the family Armadillidiidae, within the order Isopoda.
How big is Nosy Pillbug?
up to 21 mm
How do you identify Nosy Pillbug?
Best told from A. vulgare by the conspicous nose tab and the rounded telson tip. The color pattern can also be used but there is some overlap that makes it very hard to confidentially tell them apart using color without experience
Where is Nosy Pillbug found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Grasslands, quarries, gardens, greenhouses |
| Range | native to sw. Europe, adventive in the New World ; in our area, e. NA (NS―GA to MN―NE―TX) and w. NA (BC―CA―CO) |