Land Isopods
Land isopods, also known as pill bugs or roly-polies, are small, terrestrial crustaceans belonging to the order Isopoda. Unlike their aquatic relatives, these creatures have adapted to life on land, featuring a hard exoskeleton and seven pairs of legs. They are commonly found in moist environments, such as under rocks, leaf litter, and decaying wood, where they help decompose organic matter.
These animals are primarily detritivores, feeding on decaying plant material and contributing to nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Land isopods breathe through gills, which require a humid environment to function effectively. Their ability to roll into a ball when threatened is a well-known defense mechanism.