Oniscidea
Oniscidea
EOL Text
Some species of pillbugs and sowbugs that live in people's gardens have been accidentally transported all around the world, and are found on all continents.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | ©1995-2012, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors |
Source | http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Oniscidea/ |
These animals are somewhat flattened, and several times longer than wide. The top and sides of animals in this group are covered by a row of tough plates. Underneath they have 7 pairs of legs. On the head is a pair of antennae. Some species can curl up into a ball for protection, this is where they get the name "pillbug."
Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | ©1995-2012, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors |
Source | http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Oniscidea/ |
This is a group of over 3,800 species that are found all over the world. Most species of Isopods are marine, but this group evolved to live on land.
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native ); palearctic (Native ); oriental (Native ); ethiopian (Native ); neotropical (Native ); australian (Native )
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | ©1995-2012, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors |
Source | http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Oniscidea/ |
Pillbugs live just about anywhere there is moisture and dead plants to eat, but they are most common in forests and other humid habitats. A few live along the seashore, close to their marine relatives. They need humid conditions to survive.
Habitat Regions: temperate ; tropical ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: taiga ; desert or dune ; savanna or grassland ; chaparral ; forest ; rainforest ; scrub forest ; mountains
Aquatic Biomes: coastal
Wetlands: marsh ; swamp
Other Habitat Features: urban ; suburban ; agricultural ; intertidal or littoral
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | ©1995-2012, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors |
Source | http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Oniscidea/ |
Pillbugs graze on algae, fungus, moss, bark, and all kinds of decaying plant and animal material.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | ©1995-2012, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors |
Source | http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Oniscidea/ |
These animals are part of the community of species that break down dead plants and animals.
Ecosystem Impact: biodegradation
Mutualist Species:
- Pillbugs and sowbugs have microbes in their guts that allow the crustacean to digest plant material.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | ©1995-2012, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors |
Source | http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Oniscidea/ |
Sowbugs and pillbugs roll up to protect themselves, they also have glands that make defensive chemicals. Their nocturnal habit probably helps them avoid some predators too.
Known Predators:
- Chilopoda
- Araneae
- Formicidae
- Aves
- Amphibia
- anything that eats invertebrates
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | ©1995-2012, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors |
Source | http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Oniscidea/ |
These animals have poor vision, and probably communicate chemically.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | ©1995-2012, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors |
Source | http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Oniscidea/ |
Like all arthropods, sowbugs have to shed their exoskeleton to grow. Once these little animals leave their mother's pouch (see below), they don't change shape or structure much, they just get bigger.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | ©1995-2012, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors |
Source | http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Oniscidea/ |
Typical lifespan
Status: wild: 2.0 to 3.0 years.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | ©1995-2012, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors |
Source | http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Oniscidea/ |