Roly Poly Facts: the BUG that ROLLS UP into a BALL | Animal Fact Files

The roly poly (or pill bug, potato bug, woodlouse, slater, doodle bug, etc.) is the bug that rolls up into a ball! Technically the word "bug" isn't super scientific, but the roly poly has many common names with the word bug, so that's why we're using it here! Learn more roly poly facts on this episode of Animal Fact Files!

Scientific Name: Family - Armadillidiidae
Range: Cosmopolitan
Habitat: Moist environments under rocks and logs
Size: About 0.5 inches (1.27cm)
Diet: Decaying plant material
Threats: Spiders, lizards, and small mammals
Life span: Two years on average

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[Youthsoldiers]

When people crush them like you do with a roach, I don't feel the same way. Growing up in the late 90s I had nothing but good experiences with these little guys.

[nocontent]

Who likes to touch these and make them roll up when they were kids? Ahhh I miss these

[sharonincognito]

Since becoming aquainted with these cute little creatures, I have to say they are such fun to watch, the way they interact with each other! Some are shy, some are bullies that chase the others, some are quite gentle, especially with the tiny babies amongst them. I have seen them have tug of war with the food, walk over the top of others to get at the food and just sleep side by side with each other. This is at different times of the day of course. There are so many different types of isopods, such beautiful patterns. They are so beneficial for the environment. Please don't kill them, they are so valuable, they are no threat to humans or anything else. 👍🌞

[rebeccasingleton]

I'm always rescuing these little guys when they come in my home and are caught in spider webs under my counters or in dust. I clean them off and put them out on the patio. I love all critters!

[sophiee.]

Idk why i always found roly polies so heccin cute

[shupp]

These things are underratedly adorable

[ChaosMagnet]

I love Rollie-polies. I used to play with them and keep them as pets as a kid. They’re just so different and interesting.

[theidknetworkowo]

I have a roly poly!
I named it potato :)
Edit: 1 year later.
The vacuum got him.
R.I.P potato

[theomorphical]

I have a rolly polly terrarium in my room that has been exponentially exploding in population! These are easily my favorite little critters!

[michaelp.]

Two years seems like a lot of time for such an animal. Then again, they have proved to be very adaptive.

[FieryCoal]

Ah the roly Poly, every terrarium builders friend, but they have always seemed kinda fishy to me 🦐

[FelisBX]

Justice League meeting:
Superman: Alright what are your powers
Aquaman: I can control fish and water
The Flash: I'm extremely fast
Roly Poly: I have gills and can still drown
Superman: Alright we're all se- wait a minute

[TweetyTwT]

They are so cute 😌
By the way the roly poly at 2:19 is pregnant 😀

[realitybites]

They are really cute and much more interesting than I thought initially. I built a small Wood Terrarium with a population of Roly Polies, and found out: Like most animals I got to know better also these guys have totally different personalities. While several ones just eat leaves all day peacefully side by side, there is a special bully one who always chases and pushes any other one who comes near it. By now their favourite food seams to be cucumber and sweet potatoe. Putting one slice in the terrarium you soom can watch a whole family dinner.

[Wintersoap]

I remember always finding theses on the floor and poking them cause I thought it was funny that they rolled up

[StephanieLinda_]

The way they walk their little feet lol cute

[jeremylawson]

I grew up knowing them as roll up bugs and doodle bugs. I know a little song that’s not very long, doodle bug doodle now it’s all gone. :)

[victorwonder]

I never knew the name. When I was younger I just described it if I needed to tell someone. I'd say something like, "I saw one of those tiny curly balls" and the response I would get is someone scratching their head in confusion. Then I'd pull them by the hand and point, "See? Tiny curly balls" and proceed to poke the little critters until they curled into a tiny curly ball :D

Now, I know better! Thank you YT ... and of course, to you Animal Fact Files :)

[Lambda_Ovine]

Rolly Pollies, earthworms, pincher bugs and lady bugs are as nostalgic to me as Dragon Ball Z.