Rolly pollies, known scientifically as pill bugs or woodlice, are common terrestrial crustaceans frequently encountered in gardens and damp environments. Despite their small size and generally harmless nature, these creatures play a role within various ecosystems. They serve as a food source for a diverse array of other animals, contributing to the balance of local habitats. This article explores the various animals that prey on rolly pollies.
Vertebrate Eaters
Many vertebrate animals rely on rolly pollies as a food source, as part of diverse diets. Ground-foraging birds, such as robins and blackbirds, often consume these crustaceans while foraging in gardens and under debris. Ducks also readily eat them. Larger birds like owls and mammals such as foxes also include rolly pollies in their broader diets.
Small mammals are also predators of rolly pollies. Shrews are particularly known for consuming large numbers of these crustaceans, while mice, voles, and hedgehogs also incorporate them into their varied diets. Moles, living in underground environments, can also encounter and feed on them.
Amphibians commonly prey on rolly pollies, with frogs, toads, and salamanders as a meal. Baby toads, in particular, are known to consume them. Reptiles, including small lizards and garter snakes, also contribute to the list of vertebrate predators.
Invertebrate Hunters
Beyond vertebrates, a variety of invertebrate animals are specialized hunters of rolly pollies. Spiders represent a significant group of these predators, with many species actively seeking out these crustaceans. The woodlouse spider, Dysdera crocata, is particularly adapted to preying on woodlice, utilizing its large fangs to pierce their tough exoskeletons. Other spiders, such as wolf spiders, may also consume them, though their hard shells can present a challenge.
Centipedes, known for their agility, are effective predators that hunt rolly pollies in shared habitats. House centipedes, for instance, are quick to pursue and capture these crustaceans.
Certain predatory insects also contribute to the natural control of rolly pollies. Ground beetles often include them in their diet, and some species of ants and wasps are known to prey on them. These invertebrate predators frequently share the same moist, hidden environments, such as under rocks and decaying logs, leading to regular interactions with rolly pollies.
Their Place in the Food Web
Rolly pollies hold a position in the food web, serving a dual ecological role. They function as decomposers, breaking down decaying organic matter such as dead plants, fungi, and even animal waste. Through this process, they help to recycle essential nutrients back into the soil, enriching the environment.
These crustaceans also act as a link in the food chain, facilitating the transfer of energy from decomposing materials to higher trophic levels. Their consumption by various predators ensures that the energy contained within decaying matter is passed on, supporting a wide range of animal life. The calcium content within rolly pollies is especially beneficial for the animals that feed on them. Their presence highlights their contribution to ecosystem balance and overall soil health.