Armadillidium in distress

This morning my dog discovered a roly poly and snuffled at it excitedly, which caused the bug to roll up partially. When the dog exhaled in a huff, the bug rolled up completely and was blown, rolling like a loose ball bearing, a couple of inches. After a moment it unrolled a little, then further, then all the way, but it was on its back. It rocked back & forth, trying to find purchase on the concrete with its eyelash rows of wriggling legs, but the concrete was too smooth. Every once in awhile it would roll itself up partially again -- resting? -- then resume trying.

After a couple of minutes watching, I decided it wasn't going to achieve its goal and gave the bug an assist with a dried gardenia leaf. It went on its way as if nothing had ever happened.


photo by Franco Folini via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know pillbugs are crustaceans? I did not until today!