re: rolypolys/pillbugs
- To: i*@Rt66.com
- Subject: re: rolypolys/pillbugs
- From: L*@aol.com
- Date: Fri, 12 Apr 1996 06:45:33 -0400
re: the ecological role of the insect armadillos. Someone asked if they eat
anything other than baby irises. Ii asked around, and this is what i found
out. Rolypolys/pillbugs (Isopod) are primarily detritivores [dead leaves,
litter and other detritus], although they will eat green stuff if available .
And they prefer confined situations. They cant internally regulate water
content of their bodies (a lot of soil/litter dwellers can"t) so they
maintain proper water content and prevent dehydration by living in dark,
humid places. They move towards tight places.
So, maybe its too dark and humid in the seed bed - leave the lights on 24 hrs
a day? : )
linda mann lmann76543@aol.com e tenn usa
---------------------
Forwarded message:
From: ego@ornl.gov (Gerry O'Neill)
To: LMann76543@aol.com
Date: 96-04-07 08:30:47 EDT
I thought for a moment you had joined the Greenhouse mailing list..much
discussion about roly-polys lately. Rolypolys/pillbugs (Isopod) are
primarily detritivores, although they will eat green stuff if available.
And they prefer confined situations. They cant internally regulate water
content of their bodies (a lot of soil/litter dwellers can"t) so they
maintain proper water content and prevent dehydration by living in dark,
humid places. I don't recall all the details (but I have a paper if you need
more) but they exhibit ----taxis (?) or movement towards tight places.
Now that I am almost a dr. I can't seem to shut up.
>
>dr oneill
>
>do you know what ecological role pillbugs/roly polys fill? are they
>primarily herbivores? or do they just get hungry enough to eat everything in
>confined situations?
>
>linda m
>
>
