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Roly Poly

Armadillidium vulgaris

Description:

Alternatively called pillbugs, sowbugs (though not true sowbugs), wood lice (thought not true lice), in the Midwest we call them RolyPolys. They are around 8 mm long and can vary in color from light gray to a deeper purple. In contrast to sowbugs, Roly Polys roll into a ball and lack the double appendages protruding from the tail. In contrast to the other species, A. vulgaris rolls into a tight ball with no gaps as with the other two species.

Habitat:

These were uprooted while pulling weeds along a concrete retaining wall in our yard in the city (330 masl). They quickly found their way back home.

Notes:

Sowbugs and pillbugs are not true insects, but crustaceans. They are perfect for kids to learn about nature. They don't bite, sting or stink. They can be gently handled and returned without needing counseling afterwards. (The Roly Polys, not the kids😊)

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Tukup
Spotted by
Tukup

Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Spotted on Jul 23, 2010
Submitted on Apr 3, 2020

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