Saturday, February 13, 2016

pill bug, roly-poly bug, doodle bug

With segmented shells, this little third-of-an-inch critter is somewhat related to millipedes and centipedes. The doodle bug is even better armored and can roll into a tight little ball in self-defense.

My question today was whether they have antennae or not. I didn't find a clear answer. The appendages from the head area do perform sensory functions, but instead of waving upward they stretch forward and downward. Not sure of these details, though.

Looking this up at the library, it became clear doodle bugs - who very much enjoy fungus and rotting vegetation - could be called composting bugs. They play an important role in the transformation of plant and other matter into soil.

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