Pill Woodlice (family Armadillidiidae)
Woodlice are small invertebrates that are related to crabs – a group of animals called crustaceans. They have armoured plating surrounding their body, called an exoskeleton. This is divided into several segments, and is light brown to black with yellow patches.
Habitats
Woodlice live in damp, dark places such as under rocks and logs.
Behaviour
They are usually most active at night, when there are fewer predators about. Whwen they are threatened they can roll into a ball leaving only their armoured back exposed. This ability explains why they are sometimes called “armadillo bugs”.
Breeding
Females keep their fertilised eggs in a compartment on the underside of her body until they hatch into small, white offspring. The mother then appears to "give birth" to her offspring.
Feeding
Woodlice feed mostly on dead plant material, although sometimes eat fruit and seed tender seedlings.