Cura Mundus

Lily McMenemy, Assistant Opinion Editor

Welcome back to Cura Mundus, the conservation column where I highlight specific species to foster passion for the natural world. This week’s species is the isopod, known as Armadillidium vulgare — which translates to “common armadillo.”

The common isopod is colloquially known by three names: the potato bug, the pill bug and roly-polies. They are often called woodlouse, and in some places, they are even called doodlebugs. There is no true distinction between these, other than regional dialects. The “isopod” is actually a family of thousands of different species known as “Isopoda.” This includes their underwater cousins, deep sea giant isopods, who can reach up to 20 inches in length. In fact, isopods are crustaceans, and are more closely related to crabs and shrimp than other insects.

Recently, there has been a spike in hobbyists keeping isopods as pets. This has led to several colorful morphs including orange ones, powder blue ones, “dairy cows” and “rubber ducks.”

Personally, isopods were one of the first species that sparked my fascination with animals. I remember being five years old and making an informational pamphlet about them for my grandmother. I have such fond memories of being a kid in awe of their little legs and the way they curl up in balls when scared. Aside from playing a part in our childhoods, isopods play a critical role in the environment too — one that deserves equal attention. 

Isopods recycle nutrients within the environment and aerate substrates, roles which are critical to planetary health. They are also at the base of several food webs within their natural communities. They live in both terrestrial and aquatic environments and have thousands of species dispersed globally. The isopod is a keystone species that makes this world what it is. So make sure to send some hugs to your friendly neighborhood potato bugs!