Common Pillbug
Armadillidium vulgare
This record describes Armadillidium vulgare (species). Recorded family: Armadillidiidae. Recorded order: Isopoda.
Identification and Appearance
Some identification marks mentioned by Ferenc Vilisics in his comment on this picture: Additional information is available at Discover Life . Introduced worldwide from Europe. It has been shown to modify the top soil layer (increased pH, P, K and NO3 - in the mineral layer and increased removal of C from leaf litter layer).
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
Humid places under stones, bricks, or logs.
Geographic Range
An introduced species widely distributed in our area
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Armadillidium vulgare Latreille, 1804
About Isopods: the wider group
Order-level background for Isopoda, the group containing Armadillidium vulgare. 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 Common Pillbug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chuck Entz; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Ted Kropiewnicki , ceiseman , edanko , Blocky , Astrobirder
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Pillbug
What is Common Pillbug?
Common Pillbug (Armadillidium vulgare) is a species in the family Armadillidiidae, within the order Isopoda.
How do you identify Common Pillbug?
Some identification marks mentioned by Ferenc Vilisics in his comment on this picture: Additional information is available at Discover Life .
Where is Common Pillbug found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Humid places under stones, bricks, or logs. |
| Range | An introduced species widely distributed in our area |