Question
I'm a student doing research on pillbugs for a project. i have included four questions.

Do pillbugs eat anything other the dead plants and wood?
Do they have any other defenses besides their armor?
What does the armor protect them from?
How long do pillbugs live?
Thank you for your assistance.


Answer
Dear Erik:

Pill bugs are native to Europe and were introduced to the U.S. where they are now widespread. Pill bugs are scavengers that eat just about anything, including dead vegetation, tender seedlings, animal droppings, and the leather on shoes. They are most frequently found under rocks, in compost piles, and in well-watered lawns. Pillbugs and sowbugs  are common crustacea, belonging to a group of animals called isopods and are found throughout Florida. They are wingless, oval or slightly elongated arthropods about half an inch in length and slate-gray in color with body segments resembling armored plates. Both pillbugs and sowbugs feed primarily on decaying organic matter although occasionally they may damage the roots of green plants. Their normal habitat is outdoors, but they occasionally wander inside where they do no damage.

Sowbugs are often called woodlice and possess two tail-like appendages, seven pairs of legs, and well-developed eyes. They are incapable of rolling into a tight ball. Pillbugs or "rolly-pollies" lack the tail-like appendages and can roll into a tight ball.
Habits and Biology

The habits, biology, and control of sowbugs and pillbugs are similar. Both animals are slow-moving, crawling arthropods. They require high moisture and are most active at night. When resting during the day, they may be found under trash, rocks, boards, under decaying vegetation, or just beneath the soil surface. A heavy infestation indoors usually indicates a large population outdoors. Mulches, grass clippings, and leaf litter often provide the decaying organic matter they need to survive. Breeding can occur throughout the year in Florida. The female carries the eggs in a brood pouch on the underside of her body. Often there are 7 to 200 eggs per brood. The eggs hatch in 3 to 7 weeks and the young remain in the pouch another 6 to 7 weeks. Once the young leave the pouch, they never return. Some species produce only one brood per year, but others may produce 2 or more. Individuals may live up to 3 years.

Best wishes for success in your research project.

Sincerely,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee