# Nosy Pill Woodlouse (*armadillidium nasatum*) The Nosy Pill Woodlouse, Armadillidium nasatum, is a fascinating terrestrial crustacean often found scurrying in damp, dark places. Named for the distinct, shield-like projection on its head, which resembles a small 'nose,' and its ability to roll into a tight ball when threatened, this species plays a crucial role as a detritivore in various ecosystems. Unlike many other woodlice, its cephalic shield is quite prominent, giving it a distinctive appearance. These hardy invertebrates are essential decomposers, breaking down decaying organic matter and returning valuable nutrients to the soil, contributing significantly to soil health and nutrient cycling. - **Category:** [Animal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/animal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 10 - **Habitat:** Found in various moist microhabitats such as under rocks, logs, leaf litter, decaying wood, and in soil, particularly where organic matter is abundant. ![Nosy Pill Woodlouse](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/94262585/medium.jpg) Photo: Katja Schulz, CC BY 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/94262585) ## Appearance The Nosy Pill Woodlouse is typically a dull grey to brownish-grey color, with an oval, highly convex body composed of numerous segmented plates. Its most distinguishing feature is the prominent, shield-like 'nose' or cephalic shield that projects forward from its head, giving it a somewhat pointed anterior. Adults usually measure between 1.0 and 1.7 centimeters in length, lacking wings or any elaborate markings. Its overall appearance is robust, allowing it to tightly conglobate into a sphere for defense. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Malacostraca - **Order:** Isopoda - **Family:** Armadillidiidae - **Genus:** Armadillidium ## Interesting facts - Despite their name, woodlice are not insects but crustaceans, more closely related to crabs and shrimp than to true insects. - Female woodlice carry their eggs and young in a specialized pouch called a 'marsupium' on their underside, similar to kangaroos. - The 'nose' or cephalic shield of the Nosy Pill Woodlouse is a defining feature, making it distinguishable from other Armadillidium species. - They are one of the few terrestrial crustaceans that have successfully adapted to life on land, thanks to adaptations like their pseudotracheae. ## Special abilities - **Conglobation Defense:** When threatened, the Nosy Pill Woodlouse can roll its segmented body into a tight, impenetrable sphere. This 'pill bug' defense protects its vulnerable underside and appendages from predators. - **Moisture Respiration:** As terrestrial crustaceans, they possess pseudotracheae (lung-like structures) on their pleopods, allowing them to breathe air but requiring a high humidity environment to prevent desiccation. - **Nasal Plate Sensory:** The distinctive cephalic shield or 'nose' is thought to assist in sensing its immediate environment, potentially aiding in navigating through leaf litter and soil, or locating suitable food sources and moisture. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 1 cm - **Weight:** 0.0005-0.0015 kg - **Lifespan:** 1-3 years - **Clutch Size:** 20-60 - **Incubation:** 20-40 days ## Diet & Feeding The Nosy Pill Woodlouse primarily feeds on decaying plant matter, contributing to the decomposition process in its habitat. They are crucial for breaking down organic material and cycling nutrients. - **Primary Foods:** decaying leaves, rotting wood, dead plant material, fungi, algae - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Centipede (*Chilopoda*) — Predation on woodlice - **Eaten by:** Shrew (*Soricidae*) — Predation on woodlice - **Eaten by:** Spider (*Araneae*) — Predation on woodlice - **Consumes:** Leaf Litter (*Various plant species*) — Decomposition of organic matter ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Nosy Pill Woodlouse? Start with body shape, legs or fins, fur, feathers or scales, and standout markings. Then weigh size, habitat and where you saw it. Young animals and seasonal coats can look very different from familiar adults. Animal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Nosy Pill Woodlouse? 1 cm ### How much does Nosy Pill Woodlouse weigh? 0.0005-0.0015 kg ### How long does Nosy Pill Woodlouse live? 1-3 years ### What does Nosy Pill Woodlouse eat? The Nosy Pill Woodlouse primarily feeds on decaying plant matter, contributing to the decomposition process in its habitat. They are crucial for breaking down organic material and cycling nutrients. ### Where is Nosy Pill Woodlouse usually found? Found in various moist microhabitats such as under rocks, logs, leaf litter, decaying wood, and in soil, particularly where organic matter is abundant. ### How does Nosy Pill Woodlouse hunt? Foraging ### How many eggs does Nosy Pill Woodlouse lay? 20-60 ## Where to spot - [Arnold Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arnold-arboretum) — Massachusetts, US · Botanical Garden - [Centennial Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/centennial-arboretum) — Pennsylvania, US · Botanical Garden - [Downtown Ossining Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/downtown-ossining-historic-district) — New York, US · Historic District - [Hartwell Commercial Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/hartwell-commercial-historic-district) — Georgia, US · Historic District - [Hickory Hill Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/hickory-hill-park) — Iowa, US · Nature Reserve - [Jumel Terrace Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/jumel-terrace-historic-district) — New York, US · Historic District [View all places to see Nosy Pill Woodlouse](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/nosy-pill-woodlouse) ## More Animal - [Coquina](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coquina) (*Gymnoscelis coquina*) - [Crystal Jelly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/crystal-jelly) (*Aequorea forskalea Péron &*) - [Nautilus](https://www.snappit.app/explore/nautilus) (*Nautilus*) - [Sea Anemone](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sea-anemone) (*unclassified Amphianthus (in: sea anemones)*) --- Source: [Nosy Pill Woodlouse: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/nosy-pill-woodlouse)