Roly polies, also known as pill bugs or woodlice, are common crustaceans often found in gardens and other damp environments. These small, segmented creatures play an important role in many ecosystems as decomposers. Observing their droppings offers insights into their habits and the health of the surrounding environment.
Identifying Roly Poly Droppings
Roly poly droppings are small, resembling tiny grains of dirt or pepper, and appear as dark brown to black pellets, less than a millimeter in size, similar to a pinhead. These droppings are often cylindrical or slightly oval in shape. Due to their minute dimensions and dark coloration, roly poly droppings can easily be overlooked or mistaken for general soil particles. Their texture is firm and dry, reflecting their processed diet, and they do not smear or dissolve easily like some other invertebrate waste. When found in quantity, they might create a fine, granular residue on surfaces where roly polies have been active, such as under potted plants or decaying wood.
Diet and Digestion Influence
The appearance of roly poly droppings is directly linked to their diet and digestive processes, as roly polies are detritivores, consuming decaying organic matter. Their diet consists of decomposing leaves, rotting wood, fungi, and other plant debris found in moist environments. This organic material is rich in cellulose and other plant fibers, which their digestive system is adapted to break down. As roly polies ingest this decaying matter, their digestive tract compacts the fibrous material into dense pellets. The dark coloration of the droppings comes from the high concentration of organic compounds and partially digested plant pigments. Their diet also includes calcium, which contributes to the firm, stable structure of the pellets. This digestive process helps return nutrients from dead organic material back into the soil.
Where to Find and What It Means
Roly poly droppings are found in the same damp, sheltered locations where the creatures thrive, including under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and garden mulch. They can also be observed in the top layer of moist soil or within decaying wood. Their presence in these areas indicates a healthy population of these crustaceans. Discovering roly poly poop is not a cause for concern, but a sign of a functioning ecosystem. These droppings signify the active role roly polies play as decomposers, breaking down organic waste and enriching the soil. Their waste products contribute to the nutrient cycle, returning valuable elements to the environment for plant uptake.