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If prepared well, they taste similar to shrimp. And yes, they’re edible.
Contrary to popular belief, roly polies (also known as pill bugs, doodle bugs, potato bugs, and by their scientific order name, Armadillidiidae) aren’t insects or arachnids. They’re land crustaceans, and as such, they’re more closely related to lobsters, crayfish, and shrimp.
As a general disclaimer, you shouldn’t eat random crustaceans you find walking across your basement, but if you decide to eat roly polies, they’re apparently fairly easy to prepare. The blog Off Grid Homestead Prepper recommends boiling them to sterilize them, then frying them in the oil of your choice.
“I regret not trying the sow bugs after boiling them but before frying them,” the writer notes. “I would like to know if there is a taste change because after frying with a little olive oil [because] all they tasted like was olive oil.”
“I ate about half and will probably throw the rest into a salad where the taste will be hidden. They would be fine to throw into a stew or soup if you were just trying to boost your protein levels.”
That doesn’t sound especially appetizing. Here’s another perspective.
“From my experience, some of them do in fact taste similar to shrimp,” writes Joe for the sustainable food blog Eat the Planet. “Any bug should be cooked before eaten, but some people eat them raw. They make a great sauce, or they can be added to soup. There are a lot of other ways to cook them including mixed with dough, egg, or rice.”
Joe notes that some pill bugs might be less edible than others, and he only recommends eating the wood lice that roll into little balls (since they’re less likely to be confused with non-edible bugs like pill millipedes). There’s no need to remove the shell.
You’ll need quite a few of them to make a meal, but they’re not poisonous to humans. Don’t eat any that smell bad, and if you notice a bad taste, stop eating. If you ever find yourself in a dire situation in which pill bugs are your only source of sustenance, that could be important knowledge.
And while roly polies aren’t technically insects, we should note that many insects are edible, and the United Nations has essentially advised people to eat more bugs in order to fight world hunger. The United States might be getting with it—the Seattle Mariners recently introduced fried grasshoppers as a concession at Safeco Field, and the dish quickly became one of the park’s most popular food options.
What else can I help you with?
What is the lifespan of roly polies?
Roly Polies live for an average of two to three years.
Do roly polies bite?
no because they don't bite
What is the life of a roly poly?
roly polies or pill bugs can live up to three years
What makes roly polies walk?
They have a lot of tiny legs
What is the life span of a roly poly?
roly polies or pill bugs can live up to three years
Is a Roly Poly an insect?
Actually Roly Polies are Pill Bugs called Armadillidiidae and they are Crustaceans and Arthropods.
Do roly polys eat potatoes?
Nope, roly polies are herbivorous, feeding on rotting leaves and such. ^^
Do roly polies hold their breath?
No, this insect formally known as armadillidiidae, and informally known as pillbugs or roly polies, breathe using gills and and air tubes that are enclosed in the body.
What eats a roly poly?
Birds of all varieties and other small animals eat roly-polies.
What do rolie polies eat?
Roly polies, also known as pill bugs or woodlice, mainly feed on decaying organic matter like dead plants and leaves. They also consume fungi, algae, and vegetables. In some cases, they may scavenge on small insects or animal carcasses.
How do roly poly breathe?
Roly polies, also known as pill bugs, breathe through structures called pleopods, which are located on their abdomen. These pleopods are equipped with gills that allow them to extract oxygen from the air or water. Despite being terrestrial, roly polies require a moist environment to keep their gills wet for effective respiration. This is why they are often found in damp habitats like leaf litter or under rocks.
Is Sevin dust good for killing roly polies?
Sevin dust, which contains the active ingredient carbaryl, can be effective against roly polies (pill bugs) by disrupting their nervous system when they come into contact with it. However, it is important to consider that Sevin is a broad-spectrum insecticide that can also harm beneficial insects and contribute to environmental issues. If you choose to use it, apply it carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions to minimize any negative impact. Alternative methods, such as maintaining healthy soil and using barriers, may also be effective in managing roly polies.
