Natural England

Natural England

Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

© 2006-2010. Database provided and managed on behalf of Natural England by The Plant Press. Designed and implemented by Ideal Integration Ltd

 

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Common pill woodlouse - Armadillidium vulgare - Family: Armadillididae

Common pill woodlouse - Armadillidium vulgareCommon pill woodlouse - Armadillidium vulgare
© Bob Gibbons
UK distribution - East Anglia, Midlands, North, South East, South West

The common pill woodlouse has a flat grey, oval body and is able to roll into a ball when disturbed.

During the day, it is to be found in moist cover - amongst fallen leaves, under stones and in tussocks. It emerges at night to feed, when it can often be found climbing up tree trunks, fences and walls, sometimes to a considerable height and in large numbers.

Food

Plant and detritus feeder on decayed plant litter as well as grazing algae and lichen from tree bark and walls.

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