armadillidiid

Armadillidiid refers to a family of terrestrial crustaceans commonly known as woodlice, pill bugs, or roly-polies. These small invertebrates are crustaceans, not insects, and are most closely related to shrimp and crabs. They are characterized by their segmented bodies, which are typically oval-shaped and covered by a hard exoskeleton.

A distinctive feature of many armadillidiid species is their ability to roll into a tight ball when threatened. This defense mechanism, known as conglobation, is achieved by interlocking the segments of their exoskeleton. This rolling behavior is the origin of common names like "pill bug" and "roly-poly."

Armadillidiids are detritivores, meaning they feed primarily on decaying organic matter, such as dead leaves, wood, and fungi. They play an important role in ecosystems by breaking down this material and recycling nutrients. They are typically found in moist, dark environments, such as under rocks, logs, and leaf litter.

The family Armadillidiidae is widespread, with numerous species found across the globe, particularly in temperate regions. Their life cycle involves several molts as they grow, shedding their exoskeleton to accommodate their increasing size. While generally harmless, some species may be considered minor garden pests if populations become very large.