Pill Woodlouse

About the Pill Woodlouse

The only crustacean that can roll into a perfect ball for protection. This behavior is called conglobation. They have been doing this for 100+ million years. They are not insects but land-dwelling crustaceans, more closely related to lobsters than beetles. They have blue blood due to hemocyanin. They breathe through modified gills that must stay moist. Over 3,500 species of woodlice exist. They are excellent composters, breaking down organic matter. They can absorb water from humid air. They are harmless and beneficial garden residents. They can live 2-4 years.