What is a significant characteristic of pillbugs when disturbed?

Study for the South Carolina General and Structural Pest Control 7A Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Pillbugs, commonly known as roly-polies, have a distinctive response when threatened or disturbed that includes rolling up into a ball. This behavior is a defense mechanism that helps protect their vulnerable undersides from predators. By curling into a tight sphere, they minimize the area exposed to potential threats, making it harder for predators to grasp or attack them.

This characteristic behavior is rooted in their physiology; pillbugs are equipped with a rigid exoskeleton that allows them to adopt this shape. The ability to roll up is not just a defensive posture but also provides them with a form of camouflage, making them less visible amidst their natural habitats, which often include leaf litter or soil.

Other options, while they may pertain to other animals or behaviors, do not accurately describe the specific response of pillbugs. Pillbugs do not have the capacity to flee quickly due to their slow movement, they don't emit a foul odor as a means of defense, nor do they typically become immobile in response to disturbance.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy