Image of Pill woodlouse

Description:

Common Name: Pillbug Scientific Name: Armadillidium vulgare Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Malacostraca Order: Isopoda Family: Armadillidiidae Genus: Armadillidium Species: A. vulgare This specimen was spotted in an urban area near a pool. The Armadillidium vulgare is most commonly found throughout Europe and some parts of North America. However, it is not unusual to spot it in several isolated locations across the world. This species can withstand dry climates compared to the other members of the woodlouse family. It is most often found in coastal regions. It feeds primarily upon decaying vegetation. However, it is also known to consume algae and lichen off of trees and walls. The pillbug is traditionally a non-captive creature, however some keep them as pets because of their demeanor. The Pill bug's chief mode of defense is in it's ability to roll into a ball and protect its vital organs from penetration by its predictors.