Sowbugs and Pillbugs

Scientific name:
(Order: Isopoda)

Facts: Sowbugs and pilllbugs are crustacea which is a group that includes shrimp, crawfish and lobsters. Isopods are some of the few crustacea that are terrestrial. Pillbugs can roll their bodies into a tight ball when they are disturbed and this behavior gives them the name. Other names are "rolly-pollies" and "ball bugs". Sowbugs have two tail extensions and do not roll into a ball. Both of these are found together especially in moist habitats with lots of organic matter.

Photo credit: B. M. Drees