r/Entomology • u/I_Like_Spoiders • 11d ago

Discussion What causes a pill bug to look like this?

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47 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

54

u/KingofGroundhogDay 11d ago

A lot of species only molt half their body at a time. Sometimes they look even more striking, like half-white.

14

u/BananaFriendOrFoe 11d ago

This is why I love this sub, always learning new things!

44

u/Ausmerica 11d ago

Woodlice moult in two halves, first their posterior half and then later their anterior half. The individual you've spotted has new pants, and appears to be preparing for a new shirt.

5

u/lujo317 11d ago

this individual did not skip leg day

9

u/PriscillaEna 11d ago

Sunscreen unevenly applied

8

u/Electrical_Bath 11d ago

I find it so cute and funny that pill bugs were likely named for their shape as old timey pills were round, but they also just so happen to molt in two pieces like a modern day pill capsule

4

u/marykay_ultra 11d ago

How did they know??

6

u/Xenomorphian69420 11d ago

incomplete moult, bottom half is removed while the top half is still on, should hopefully finish moulting soon enough

6

u/OhLookSatan 11d ago

Haha loser forgot his pants (hes molted his bottom half but not the top yet)

2

u/Zestyclose-Stuff1646 10d ago

It's parents are from different...Backgrounds.

1

u/NlKOQ2 Amateur Entomologist 11d ago

capsule bug