Rolly pollies, also known as pill bugs or woodlice, are common terrestrial crustaceans. They are distinctive for their segmented bodies and their ability to roll into a ball when disturbed. These creatures play a significant role in their ecosystems. This article will explore what rolly pollies consume, the importance of their diet, and address common misunderstandings about their food sources.
What Rolly Pollies Consume
Rolly pollies primarily feed on decaying organic matter, making them detritivores. Their diet consists of soft decaying plants such as leaves, grasses, and wood, along with fungi, moss, and algae. They thrive in damp environments where decomposing material is abundant, often found under rocks, logs, or in compost bins.
These crustaceans possess specialized mouthparts for scraping and chewing their food. Beyond plant matter, rolly pollies have also been observed consuming dead insects, animal feces, and even their own waste, a practice known as coprophagy. Coprophagy helps them reabsorb copper, a mineral they need to survive.
Why Their Diet Matters
The diet of rolly pollies is central to their ecological function as decomposers. By consuming decaying organic material, they break it down into smaller fragments, accelerating the decomposition process. This action helps return essential nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, to the soil, making them available for plants.
Rolly pollies contribute to soil health by improving its structure and enriching it with their nitrogen-rich excrement. Their feeding activities also play a role in nutrient cycling. Some species of rolly pollies can absorb heavy metals like copper, lead, and zinc from the soil, crystallizing them in their guts and removing these toxins.
Common Misconceptions About Their Food
A common misconception is that rolly pollies are pests consuming live plants and harming gardens. While they may occasionally nibble on tender seedlings, new roots, or fruits touching the ground, particularly in wet conditions or if decaying matter is scarce, this is not their primary food source. Their preference is dead and decaying organic material.
Instances of rolly pollies damaging live plants occur when their populations are exceptionally high, or when preferred food sources are limited. If damage to live plants is observed, it is more likely caused by other garden pests like slugs. Rolly pollies are considered beneficial for gardens due to their role in decomposition and nutrient recycling.