CONTACT US

7 facts pill bugs

July 30, 2020

7 Facts About PillBugs

Pillbugs go by many names – armadillo bug, potato bug, roly poly & wood louse,  – but whatever you call it, it’s a interesting creature that finds its way into your home. These 7 facts about pillbugs will give you a new insight on the “bug”.

Although often associated with insects and are referred to as “bugs,” pillbugs actually belong to the subphylum Crustacea. They’re much more closely related to shrimp and crayfish than to any kind of insect.

2. Pillbug moms carry their eggs in a pouch.

Like other crustaceans, pillbugs carry their eggs around with them. Overlapping thoracic plates form a special pouch, called a marsupium, on the pillbug’s underside. Upon hatching, the tiny juvenile pillbugs remain in the pouch for several days before leaving to explore the world on their own.

3. Pillbugs don’t urinate.

Most animals need to convert their wastes, which are high in ammonia, into urea before it can be excreted from the body. But pillbugs have an amazing ability to tolerate ammonia gas, which they can pass directly through their exoskeleton. So, there’s no need for them to urinate.

4. Pillbugs breathe through gills.

Like their marine kin, terrestrial pillbugs use gill-like structures to exchange gases. They require moist environments to breathe, but cannot survive being submerged in water.

5. Pillbugs curl into tight balls when threatened.

Most kids have poked a pillbug to watch it roll up into a tight ball. Many people call them roly polies for just this reason. Its ability to curl up distinguishes the pillbug from another close relative, the sowbug.

6. Sick pillbugs turn bright blue.

Pillbugs can indeed contract viral infections. If you find a pillbug that looks bright blue or purple, it’s a sign of an iridovirus. Reflected light from the virus causes the cyan color.

7. A pillbug’s blood is blue.

Many crustaceans, pillbugs included, have hemocyanin in their blood. Unlike hemoglobin, which contains iron, hemocyanin contains copper ions. When oxygenated, pillbug blood appears blue.

How long do pill bugs live?
How do pill bugs get in the house?
Do pill bugs die in winter?
How long do pill bugs live?
Are pill bugs bad?
What do pill bugs eat?
Do pill bugs bite?

Recent Posts

March 24, 2023
Why Does Your Home Have Roaches?

Your home should be safe from intruders, whether they have two, four, or six legs. Roaches, however, can be difficult to get rid of completely. These pests are often attracted to areas with food and moisture, which invite them into our homes. If a roach infestation is left unchecked, it can quickly become a major […]

March 22, 2023
3 Pests to Look Out for in the Spring

Spring is the time of year when everything comes back to life, including pests. Although it's a beautiful season, it can also be a time when bed bugs and other problems are more active. Springtime activates many pests you may not encounter during the colder months. Here are three pests you need to look out […]

linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram