The adults of Armadillidium Vulgare (10–14 mm in length) were employed in this research. The emergence of white dots on its sternum marked the premolt stage .
More than 30 animals were examined at each molting stage. The removed portions were rinsed for 1–2 seconds in triply distilled water before being dehydrated in anhydrous methanol for 1 minute.
The samples were cleaned using filter paper to eliminate any soft tissue remains. The cuticles and sternal deposits were vacuum dried at room temperature for 24 hours before being kept at 20 °C.
Host plants:
Pillbugs are nocturnal and like moist climates throughout the day. Their ideal soil environment is organic matter-rich with a neutral to alkaline pH. Pillbugs are less likely to be found in tilled soil or overly damp soil. Tomato, radish, lettuce, mustard, pea, and bean crops have all been proven to be harmed by Armadillidium vulgare.
Territory:
Pillbugs were introduced from Europe and are found worldwide as a cosmopolitan species.
Damage caused by Armadillium Vulgare:
Pillbugs may also be discovered inside homes. However, they are not known to do any harm and merely annoy people by being around. The impacts of the pillbug’s detritivorous habit (eating dead plant material) were studied in the hydric hardwood forest of central Florida. The pillbugs’ foraging had a favorable influence on the ecology, as seen by increased mineral layer nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium), higher pH, and greater levels of carbon removed from falling leaves.
Life history and Habits:
Armadillidium vulgare eggs have a thin wall and a yolk. After being released from the oviduct, they are kept in the marsupium, a fluid-filled pouch present in reproducing females. Eggs are surrounded by an inner vitelline membrane (made up of protein fibers and species-specific sperm receptors) and an outer chorion. A sensory structure known as the ‘dorsal organ’ is found within the embryo and is shared by numerous crustaceans. The vitelline membrane is lost after one to two days, and the manca hatches. Only half of the eggs laid mature into fully formed mancas. The mancas crawl out of the marsupium after three to four days.
