Armadillidiids

Armadillidiids are a family of terrestrial crustaceans commonly known as pill bugs, roly-polies, or woodlice. They belong to the order Isopoda and are characterized by their ability to roll into a ball when disturbed, a defense mechanism that protects their softer undersides. There are over 300 species within the family Armadillidiidae. These small arthropods typically have segmented, oval-shaped bodies that are usually gray or brown. They possess seven pairs of legs and two pairs of antennae, with the second pair being longer and more noticeable.

Armadillidiids are detritivores, meaning they feed on decaying organic matter such as dead leaves, wood, and other plant material. This role makes them important decomposers in many ecosystems, helping to recycle nutrients. They are often found in damp, dark environments like under rocks, logs, and leaf litter. While they are land-dwelling, they still require moisture and can suffocate if their breathing pores become too dry. They are not insects; they are crustaceans, more closely related to shrimp and crabs. Their life cycle involves molting, shedding their exoskeleton to grow.