The beautiful, adorable Armadillidum vulgare, such a whimsical and appropriate name for this little garden go getter. Although they are not related, the Armadillidum does resemble the Armadillo, especially in the ability to roll up into a tight armored ball when messed with. Not an insect, but rather an isopod, more like a lobster, the love of moisture being one of their big characteristics in common. The meaning of an Armadillidum can be summed up in a single word: decomposition. This word describes the product of their labor. They are in cahoots with the earthworms in their sheer dedication to the creation of richer and richer soil. At night they work tirelessly at cleaning up the layer of debris at the soil's surface. Supply the tidy Armadillidum with some organic debris and sufficient moisture and be assured, your garden soil wins.

There are complaints and reports of Armadillidum eating plants instead of garbage. This can be the case. They will occasionally enjoy a night out at the expense of a young strawberry plant, or some other tender delicacy. But, their dining of this kind is minimal in comparison to other pests in the garden. In fact, Armadillidum is often blamed for the damage done by insects better at hiding their presence from humans. If you have plants that are being attacked at night, wait up and inspect the plants while it's dark out. You'll catch the culprit this way and better know what to do about it. Earwigs and other crawling, leaf eating insects can be a much bigger problem than this little roly-poly, garden friend, the Armadillidum.

Note: Gardeners often use diatomaceous earth as a clever, organic, non-chemical pest control for ants, earwigs and other crawling insects. Be very careful if you are tending a herd of Armadillidum for their composting abilities, as they too will succumb to the awesome powers of diatomaceous earth.