Rolly pollies, also known as pill bugs or woodlice, are common terrestrial crustaceans found in gardens and damp environments. Though often mistaken for insects, these creatures are more closely related to shrimp and crabs. This article explores their specific dietary habits, how they feed, and their broader ecological impact.
The Primary Diet of Rolly Pollies
Rolly pollies are primarily detritivores, meaning their diet consists largely of decaying organic matter. Their main food source includes soft, decomposing plant material such as rotting leaves, dead grasses, and decaying wood. They also consume fungi, molds, and lichens. This positions them as nature’s cleanup crew, breaking down materials that would otherwise accumulate.
While their diet predominantly features plant matter, pill bugs are not exclusively herbivorous. They may occasionally feed on soft, decaying animal matter, including dead insects or other invertebrates. Some species also consume animal feces (coprophagy), re-ingesting nutrients like copper. When preferred decaying matter is scarce, they might feed on tender, living plant parts like seedlings, new roots, or fruits touching the soil, though this is less common.
Their foraging activities extend to various forms of plant debris, including compost, mulch, and even the outer layers of vegetables like carrots and potatoes if they are soft enough. They are capable of consuming a wide range of decaying materials, demonstrating an adaptable scavenging behavior.
How Rolly Pollies Eat and Their Feeding Habits
Pill bugs are equipped with specialized mouthparts, including mandibles, which are adapted for chewing and grinding their food. Their feeding process allows them to process significant amounts of decaying material.
They locate food primarily through their developed sense of smell and touch. Pill bugs possess two pairs of antennae, with the larger pair featuring sensory hairs called setae. These antennae act as chemoreceptors, detecting chemical signals from food sources and identifying suitable habitats. They often flick their antennae, similar to sniffing, to gather scent information.
Rolly pollies are largely nocturnal, foraging at night to avoid predators and reduce water loss. They require humid conditions due to their gill-like respiratory structures. They are typically found in damp, dark places like under rocks, logs, leaf litter, or in compost piles, where food and moisture are abundant.
The Ecological Importance of Rolly Pollies
The feeding habits of rolly pollies contribute significantly to ecosystem health. As detritivores, they play a primary role as decomposers, breaking down dead plant and animal matter. This decomposition process is essential for returning organic materials to the soil.
By consuming decaying debris, pill bugs facilitate nutrient cycling. They process complex organic compounds, releasing essential nutrients like nitrates, phosphates, and minerals back into the soil, making them available for plants. Their activity enhances soil fertility and supports new plant growth.
Pill bugs also have a unique capability to absorb heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and zinc, from the soil. They crystallize these toxins in their guts, effectively removing them from the environment and preventing groundwater leaching. This ability makes them valuable bioindicators and agents in cleaning up contaminated sites. Their presence also helps control some harmful fungi and bacteria, further contributing to a balanced ecosystem.