What specific defensive action allows species like pillbugs (Armadillidiidae) to defend themselves?
Answer
Conglobate (rolling into a nearly perfect sphere)
Species belonging to families such as Armadillidiidae, commonly known as pillbugs, possess specialized segmented plates that allow them to execute a distinctive defense mechanism called conglobation. This involves rolling their body up tightly until they form a nearly perfect sphere. By doing this, they present only their hard, heavily armored exterior to a potential predator, such as a shrew or spider, minimizing vulnerable surface area. This physical capability is the source of their common nickname, "pill bug," and contrasts sharply with other species, like the Common Rough Woodlouse, which cannot achieve this complete spherical defense.
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