Can I Buy Pill Bugs?: Everything You Need To Know
Yes, you can buy pill bugs. These tiny crustaceans are readily available for various purposes, from composting to educational projects, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into the miniature world of decomposers.
Introduction to Pill Bugs: More Than Just Garden Pests
Pill bugs, also known as roly-polies, woodlice, or potato bugs (though they are not insects, nor are they related to potatoes), are terrestrial crustaceans belonging to the order Isopoda. While often considered garden pests due to their presence around decaying vegetation, they play a vital role in ecosystems as decomposers. They consume decaying organic matter, enriching the soil and contributing to nutrient cycling. The question of “Can I buy pill bugs?” arises from an increasing appreciation for their ecological benefits and their use in controlled environments.
The Benefits of Buying Pill Bugs
There are several reasons why someone might consider purchasing pill bugs:
- Composting: Pill bugs accelerate the decomposition process in compost bins and vermicomposting systems. They break down larger organic particles, making them more accessible to worms and other microorganisms.
- Educational Purposes: Pill bugs are fascinating creatures to observe and study. They are often used in classrooms to teach students about invertebrate biology, decomposition, and ecosystem dynamics.
- Terrariums and Vivariums: Pill bugs act as a cleanup crew in terrariums and vivariums, consuming mold, decaying plant matter, and even reptile droppings. They help maintain a healthy and balanced environment for the other inhabitants.
- Pet Food (Limited): While not a primary food source, pill bugs can supplement the diet of certain reptiles and amphibians. However, this should be done with caution, ensuring they are sourced from a clean environment.
Where Can You Buy Pill Bugs?
So, where can you actually answer “Can I buy pill bugs?” with a successful purchase?
- Online Retailers: Several online retailers specialize in selling live insects and invertebrates. These retailers often offer a variety of pill bug species.
- Pet Stores: Some pet stores, particularly those that cater to reptiles and amphibians, may carry pill bugs.
- Garden Centers: Occasionally, garden centers that specialize in composting supplies may offer pill bugs for sale.
- Local Collectors: Depending on your location, you might find local collectors who breed and sell pill bugs as a hobby. Be sure to vet them.
Types of Pill Bugs Available for Purchase
While the common Armadillidium vulgare (the roly-poly) is most frequently sold, several other species are gaining popularity:
- Armadillidium vulgare: The classic pill bug, widely available and easy to care for.
- Porcellio scaber: Another common species, known for its larger size and faster reproduction rate.
- Cubaris murina ‘Little Sea’: A highly sought-after species with a unique appearance and interesting behavior.
- Porcellio laevis: A robust and productive species favored for its ability to consume a wide range of organic matter.
Creating a Suitable Habitat for Pill Bugs
Before you buy pill bugs, you need to prepare a suitable habitat for them. They thrive in environments that are:
- Moist: Pill bugs require a humid environment to prevent desiccation.
- Dark: They prefer dark and sheltered locations.
- Rich in Organic Matter: Provide plenty of decaying leaves, wood, and other organic material for them to feed on.
Here’s a sample setup:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| ——————– | ———————————————————————————— |
| Container | Plastic tub or glass terrarium with a lid (ensure adequate ventilation) |
| Substrate | Mixture of coco coir, peat moss, and leaf litter |
| Moisture | Maintain a consistently moist substrate, misting regularly |
| Food | Decaying leaves, wood, vegetables scraps, fish flakes |
| Shelter | Pieces of bark, rocks, or other objects to provide hiding places |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Keeping Pill Bugs
- Allowing the substrate to dry out: This is a common cause of death. Regularly mist the enclosure to maintain humidity.
- Overcrowding: Provide enough space for the pill bugs to move around and reproduce.
- Using tap water: Tap water contains chlorine and chloramine, which can be harmful to pill bugs. Use dechlorinated water for misting.
- Introducing harmful chemicals: Avoid using pesticides or other chemicals in or around the pill bug enclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can pill bugs bite humans?
No, pill bugs are not capable of biting humans. They lack the mouthparts necessary to pierce skin. They are completely harmless to humans.
What do pill bugs eat?
Pill bugs primarily feed on decaying organic matter, such as leaf litter, wood, and vegetable scraps. They also consume fungi and algae.
How long do pill bugs live?
Pill bugs typically live for one to two years. With proper care, some individuals may live even longer.
Are pill bugs harmful to plants?
Pill bugs can sometimes damage seedlings or tender plants if other food sources are scarce. However, they primarily feed on decaying matter and contribute to soil health.
How do pill bugs reproduce?
Female pill bugs carry their eggs in a brood pouch on their underside. The young, called mancae, resemble miniature adults and undergo several molts before reaching full size.
Do pill bugs need light?
Pill bugs prefer dark environments and should be kept in a location with minimal light exposure.
What is the ideal temperature for pill bugs?
Pill bugs thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C and 27°C).
How do I tell the difference between male and female pill bugs?
It can be difficult to distinguish between male and female pill bugs. One difference is that males have small genital papillae on their underside, which are absent in females.
Can I keep pill bugs with other invertebrates?
You can keep pill bugs with some other invertebrates, such as springtails, which share similar environmental requirements. However, avoid keeping them with predatory invertebrates.
How often should I clean the pill bug enclosure?
You should only need to partially clean the pill bug enclosure every few months. Remove excess debris and replace some of the substrate. Avoid completely emptying the enclosure, as this can disrupt the ecosystem.
Are pill bugs good for my garden?
Pill bugs can be beneficial to your garden by helping to decompose organic matter and improve soil health. However, they can also occasionally damage seedlings, so it’s essential to monitor their population and provide them with ample food sources.
What should I do if my pill bug population explodes?
If your pill bug population becomes too large, you can remove some individuals and relocate them to another suitable environment, such as a compost bin or a nearby wooded area. You can also reduce the amount of food available to slow down their reproduction rate.