Roly-polies, also known as pill bugs, woodlice, or sow bugs, are common inhabitants of damp, dark environments, often found under rocks, logs, or leaf litter. Despite their insect-like appearance, roly-polies are not insects; they are terrestrial crustaceans, more closely related to shrimp and crabs. Their ability to curl into a tight ball when disturbed earns them their popular “roly-poly” moniker.
Their Natural Diet
Roly-polies are primarily detritivores, specializing in consuming decaying organic matter and playing a crucial role in natural decomposition by breaking down dead materials and returning nutrients to the soil. Their natural diet largely consists of soft, decomposing plant material, such as fallen leaves and grasses. They also feed on rotting wood, bark, fungi, and mold found in their moist habitats. Occasionally, their diet may include dead insects or animal waste, contributing to the recycling of organic compounds in ecosystems. This aids in enriching the soil, much like earthworms creating nutrient-rich castings.
Roly-Polies in Your Garden
A common misconception is that roly-polies are garden pests that damage healthy plants. However, they are generally beneficial to garden ecosystems, playing an important role in breaking down compost and enriching the soil with their waste. Roly-polies typically do not consume living, healthy plant tissue. Significant damage to live plants is rare and usually indicates other underlying issues, such as weakened plants or an insufficient supply of their preferred decaying matter. In such cases, they might feed on tender seedlings or fruits in contact with the soil.
Providing Food in Captivity
For those keeping roly-polies as pets or in a terrarium, providing an appropriate diet is straightforward, mirroring their natural preferences. The foundation of their captive diet should be decaying leaves (oak and maple are suitable choices), along with rotting wood and general leaf litter, which provide both food and a suitable habitat. Small pieces of soft, decaying fruits or vegetables, such as apple slices, carrot peels, or cucumber, can be offered as occasional supplements. These supplements should be provided sparingly and removed promptly if uneaten to prevent mold growth, which can harm the roly-polies. Ensuring a consistently moist substrate is also important, as roly-polies require humidity to survive and thrive.