Natural Food Sources
Roly polies, also known as pill bugs or woodlice, are terrestrial crustaceans. These small, oval-shaped creatures roll into a tight ball when disturbed. As detritivores, they break down organic materials.
In their natural habitats, roly polies primarily consume decaying organic matter. They are found in moist environments under rocks, logs, or leaf litter. Their diet includes dead leaves, rotting wood, other decomposing plant materials, fungi, and decaying remains of small organisms.
Roly polies extract nutrients from these decaying materials, contributing to the decomposition process. Their preference for moist environments aids in the breakdown of organic matter, making it more accessible for consumption.
Feeding Roly Polies
For those caring for roly polies, providing a suitable diet is important. They thrive on fresh vegetable scraps, such as lettuce, carrots, apples, and cucumbers, offered in moderation. Include pesticide-free leaf litter from deciduous trees, like oak or maple, as this mimics their natural food and provides roughage.
Maintaining proper moisture levels in their habitat is important, as it aids food decomposition and supports their respiratory needs. Replace food items regularly to prevent excessive mold growth, though some natural fungal growth is part of their diet. Decaying wood can also provide food and shelter.
Avoid certain foods when feeding roly polies in captivity. Citrus fruits, processed foods, meat, or dairy products are unsuitable and harmful. Also avoid food with excessive, unnatural mold or treated with pesticides. A diverse diet of decaying plant matter and fresh vegetables supports their health.
Their Ecological Role
The feeding habits of roly polies are integral to their ecological significance. As primary decomposers, they break down dead organic material. Their consumption of decaying plant matter initiates the physical breakdown into smaller fragments. This increases surface area for microbial activity, accelerating decomposition by bacteria and fungi.
Through their digestive processes, roly polies recycle essential nutrients back into the soil. As they consume organic debris and excrete waste, they release compounds that enrich the soil, making nutrients available for plant uptake. This nutrient cycling supports soil health and fertility, benefiting new vegetation.
Roly polies contribute to soil structure and aeration. Their burrowing and feeding actions mix organic matter into the upper soil layers, improving drainage and root penetration for plants.