Pill bug on a blade of grass

Pill Bug Facts for Kids

This spring, we’re bugging out over our new remote control animals! With interactive features like glowing eyes and a real-life transformation from race to roll (!), our rolling RC pill bug is the newest critter on the block ready to zoom into fun. But what do we know about pill bugs? Let’s take it back to the inspo for our latest toy. Keep reading to learn more about giant isopods, pill bug fun facts, and more!

Pill Bug Habitat

Have you ever seen a pill bug crawling around your tomato plants? You’re sure to notice them next time you take a look, because these critters are happiest in your garden or backyard. A diverse garden ecosystem is perfect for these little crawlies, and you may even see them nibbling on your beanstalks! These bugs live in wet locations with lots of damp objects. They don’t do well indoors, because they need moisture to survive, so it’s common to see them hanging out in your vegetable patch, compost, or under logs and rocks in the forest.

What do pill bugs eat?

Pill bugs are as eco-friendly as it gets! They’re detrivores, which means they feast on decaying matter. They mostly eat fallen leaves, dead plants, and rotting wood or vegetables. That’s why you may be used to seeing them in your garden! They fit in well in an ecosystem that’s constantly changing. They also love to munch on the mulch you may use to line your flower beds. Seriously, if you’ve got plants growing, pill bugs are sure to be nearby!

Why do pill bugs roll into balls?

Most people think that pill bugs roll into balls as a defense mechanism, and while this is partly true, they have other motivations for curling up as well. You can often find pill bugs rolled up in an attempt to conserve moisture and keep themselves nice and wet. This process is called conglobation, and their shell armor is made up of different sections of shell, which is what allows them to roll up so easily. How cool!

More Pill Bug Fun Facts

  • Have you heard of a pill bug before? Chances are, you know them by another name! These critters are also known as a roly poly or a potato bug.
  • Pill bugs are not technically insects. In fact, they’re isopods, which are crustaceans, like shrimp or crayfish!
  • These little buggers are nocturnal.
  • Pill bugs do not bite or sting people; they’re totally harmless!

Dying to meet a real-life pill bug? Look no further than in your own backyard. And don’t miss the chance to play with one that you can actually control! Snag our RC Rolling Pill Bug at Target now.