Sow bugs – Woodlouse – Wood bugs – Pill bugs !

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

November 13, 2024

Sow bugs a.k.a woodlice or wood bugs are indeed harmless to humans and don’t pose a threat to the structure of your home. They are more closely related to crustaceans like crabs and lobsters than to insects.

• They do have a hard, segmented exoskeleton that gives them that “armadillo-like” appearance, but unlike pill bugs (which are another type of woodlice), they can’t roll into a ball for protection.
• Pill bugs, on the other hand, are often mistaken for sow bugs, but they differ because they can curl up into a ball when threatened, similar to a pill bug’s defense mechanism.

These little critters are scavengers, feeding on decaying plant material, which makes them useful in breaking down organic matter. If you find them in your home, it’s usually an indication of excess moisture or humidity, as they thrive in damp environments. However, they generally do not cause damage and are not a cause for concern.

Sow bugs and pill bugs are often confused because they look similar, but they belong to different families within the order Isopoda and have some distinct characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between them:

1. Ability to Roll Up:

• Pill Bugs: These are the ones that can roll up into a ball when threatened, much like a tiny armadillo. This behavior is a defense mechanism to protect themselves from predators. This rolling ability is the most notable difference between the two.
• Sow Bugs: Sow bugs cannot roll up. They have a more rigid, flat body structure that makes it impossible for them to curl into a ball.

2. Body Shape and Structure:

• Pill Bugs: Typically, pill bugs are more rounded or oval in shape. Their body segments are curved, and they have a more “compact” appearance when compared to sow bugs.
• Sow Bugs: Sow bugs have a flatter, more elongated body. They also have visible side plates along their bodies, giving them a slightly more flattened look.

3. Tail Structure:

• Pill Bugs: The tail of a pill bug (called a “uropod”) is typically rounded and tucked underneath its body.
• Sow Bugs: Sow bugs have a more prominent, pointy tail that protrudes slightly from the back of their body. This is often one of the easiest ways to tell them apart.

4. Habitat and Behavior:

• Both pill bugs and sow bugs are typically found in damp, dark environments such as under logs, rocks, or leaf litter. They are both detritivores, meaning they feed on decaying organic matter like leaves and wood.

Key Takeaway:

The main difference between a sow bug and a pill bug is that pill bugs can roll into a ball, while sow bugs cannot. They also differ slightly in body shape and tail structure.

Both are harmless creatures, commonly found in moist areas around your yard or home, and neither pose any threat to people or property.

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