Giant pill bug

Introduction: Giant pill bugs (Tylos granulatus) resemble large wood lice and roll into a ball when disturbed. Features include a granular body with the abdomen having 5 segments and breath air. As they are a nocturnal species they bury themselves up to 40cm into the surface above the drift line of sandy beaches.

Distribution: From Henties Bay south to Jakkalsputz, Wlozkasbaken, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Sandwich Harbour to Luderitz.

Diet: Emerge briefly during nocturnal tides to feed on washed-up kelp

Colouration: Light green bodies with darker patches running along the back

Breeding: Eggs develop immediately into adults once they have left the brood pouch

Max size: 50mm