bosoproller
VU

bosoproller

Armadillidium opacum

Unknown

Photo: iNaturalist: (c) lupalt, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by lupalt

Overview

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.

Threat summary

Habitat

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.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Threatened in Åland Islands

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Syndyas nigripes

Unknown
Chrysotus cupreusCR

Chrysotus cupreus

Unknown
VU

narulukkokiiluri

Syntormon filiger

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is bosoproller classified as Vulnerable?
bosoproller is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. 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.
Where does bosoproller live?
bosoproller occurs in Åland Islands, Algeria, Australia, Austria, Belgium, and Croatia (plus 19 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to bosoproller?
The main threats to bosoproller are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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