Insect identifier · Often confused insects
How to identify a Pill bug
Armadillidium vulgare
· Also called roly poly, woodlouse, potato bug, sowbug
People search “pill bug” because it looks like something that bites. Pill bug (Armadillidium vulgare) does not bite or sting people. Also called roly poly, woodlouse, potato bug, sowbug.
The gray ball in the mulch does not bite.
What does a pill bug look like?
Pill bug is About 10–15 mm. Colors: gray, brown. Marks: Rolls into a ball; Many short legs; Gray armor; Damp places.
Pill bug is About 10–15 mm. Colors: gray, brown. Marks: Rolls into a ball; Many short legs; Gray armor; Damp places.
Identification marks
- Rolls into a ball
- Many short legs
- Gray armor
- Damp places
Size: About 10–15 mm
Colors: gray, brown
Where: both
Pill bug vs European earwig
Rolls into a ball = pill bug. Pinchers = earwig. Too many long legs = centipede.
- European earwig identification (Forficula auricularia)
- House centipede identification (Scutigera coleoptrata)
- Millipede identification (Diplopoda)
Range and season
Active damp weather. Places: garden, mulch, basement. A crustacean, not an insect. Rolls into a ball. Does not bite.
Mulch and damp basements.
A crustacean, not an insect. Rolls into a ball. Does not bite.
Damp weather
Common questions
Do roly polies bite?
No.
Are pill bugs insects?
No. They are land crustaceans.