Contributors: C.S. Apperson, Extension Entomology Specialist; J.R. Baker, Extension Entomolgy Specialist; L. Garcia, Entomologist, Plant Protection Section, NC Department of Agriculture; M.G. Waldvogel, Extension Entomology Specialist.
Order: Isopoda
Family: Asellidae
Scientific Name: Oniscus asellus Linnaeus,
Porcellio scaber Latreille
Description
Sowbug and pillbug adults are 5 to 10 mm in length, with 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.
The tiny eggs are carried by the female in a pouch underneath her body. No description of the eggs is available. Young sowbugs and pillbugs resemble the adults but are smaller and paler.
Biology
Sowbugs and pillbugs are common throughout the Southeast. They live mostly in damp places. 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. Adults and young feed by chewing tender, young stems and roots on plants which grow in moist places. Most feeding occurs at night.
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, consult the current North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual.
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