Pillbugs* and Sowbugs**
*Armadillium vulgare (Latreille)
**Oniscus asellus Linnaeus
, Porcellio scaber Latreille
Asellidae, ISOPODA
DESCRIPTION
Adults -- Sowbug and pillbug adults are 5 to 10 mm in length, and
have segmented, slightly flattened bodies. Sowbugs have two
tail-like structures on the rear end. Pillbugs lack these
structures. Pillbugs roll into a ball when disturbed and are
called "roly-polies." There are seven pairs of legs and no
antennae. Eyes are well developed. Sowbugs and pillbugs are more
closely related to lobster and crayfish than to insects.
Eggs -- The tiny eggs are carried by the female in a pouch
underneath her body. No description of the eggs is available.
Young -- Young sowbugs and pillbugs resemble the adults but are
smaller and paler.
BIOLOGY
Distribution -- Sowbugs and pillbugs are common throughout the
Southeast. They live mostly in damp places.
Hosts -- Sowbugs and pillbugs feed on moist, decaying organic
material such as flower bed mulch, grass clippings and manure.
Some are known to attack the roots and succulent stems of young
plants.
Damage -- Adults and young feed by chewing tender, young stems and
roots on plants which grow in moist places. Most feeding occurs
at night.
Life History -- Sowbugs and pillbugs require about a year to become
fully grown. Most breeding occurs in the spring, but may occur
throughout the year. One to three broods are produced yearly with
25 to 200 young per brood. The female carries the young in a
brood pouch underneath her body. The young remain in the pouch
for 1 or 2 months after hatching. The life span is about 2 or 3
years.
CONTROL
Sowbugs and pillbugs live in moist places because their breathing
organs must be kept moist. Therefore, removing hiding places,
decaying materials and moisture sources helps eliminate these
pests. If chemical control is necessary, contact your cooperative
extension service for further information on chemical control.