bosoproller
Armadillidium opacum
The bosoproller (Armadillidium opacum) is a terrestrial isopod crustacean, commonly known as a pill bug or roly-poly, characterized by its distinctive opaque, matte-gray segmented exoskeleton that lacks the glossy sheen of related species. This small arthropod can roll into a perfect sphere when threatened and plays a crucial ecological role as a decomposer, breaking down leaf litter and organic matter in forest floor ecosystems.
25
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) lupalt, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by lupalt
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Malacostraca
Order
Isopoda
Family
Armadillidiidae
Genus
Armadillidium
bosoproller belongs to the family Armadillidiidae, order Isopoda, within the Malacostraca class.
Species Profile
The bosoproller (Armadillidium opacum) is a terrestrial isopod crustacean, commonly known as a pill bug or roly-poly, characterized by its distinctive opaque, matte-gray segmented exoskeleton that lacks the glossy sheen of related species. This small arthropod can roll into a perfect sphere when threatened and plays a crucial ecological role as a decomposer, breaking down leaf litter and organic matter in forest floor ecosystems.
The bosoproller faces significant threats from habitat degradation and fragmentation of its specialized microhabitats. Urban development, agricultural intensification, and changes in land management practices have reduced the availability of suitable refugia with appropriate moisture and substrate conditions essential for this terrestrial isopod's survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits moist terrestrial environments including deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly areas with rich leaf litter, rotting logs, and stone crevices that provide stable humidity conditions. The species requires specific microhabitat conditions with adequate moisture retention and organic matter for feeding and shelter.
Threats
Habitat fragmentation and loss
Urban development and construction
Agricultural intensification
Changes in soil moisture regimes
Pollution and chemical contamination
Found in 25 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). bosoproller (Armadillidium opacum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/bosoproller