The appearance of the blue pill bug

Discussion in 'Celebrate Biodiversity' started by Eric La Fountaine, Mar 25, 2020.

  1. Eric La Fountaine

    Eric La Fountaine Contributor Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    I was working in my garden several years back when I spotted a blue pill bug (rolly polly, woodlouse, whatever you call Armadillidiidae). I was quite amazed. It was actually pretty. I did not know they came in that colour. Just did a search and found out it was sick and due for premature death. Invertebrate iridescent virus 31
     

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  2. togata57

    togata57 Generous Contributor 10 Years

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    What a poignant story.
    It feels like a poem that needs to be written.

    It illustrates, also, what may be seen if we take the time to look.
    Nature holds a multitude of lessons.
     
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  3. Heathen

    Heathen Active Member

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    Interesting, thanks for sharing. Too bad it's a disease and not a mutation, I would love to see blue pill bugs crawling around. Always love finding the blue snails, which thanks to your post I looked up and now know are Blue Glass snails. :)
     
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  4. Eric La Fountaine

    Eric La Fountaine Contributor Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    I found another shot of the bugger. You can compare it to a healthy one. I must say though as I recall the blue bug was active and vigorous.
     

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  5. vitog

    vitog Contributor 10 Years

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    It's interesting that the range map for this disease in iNaturalist shows nothing closer to BC than California. I assume that it is much more widespread than indicated on the map; I've seen quite a few infected pill bugs myself recently. The season chart in iNaturalist shows a strong peak in February.
     
  6. togata57

    togata57 Generous Contributor 10 Years

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  7. Margot

    Margot Renowned Contributor 10 Years

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    Here's another bluish caterpillar found by my granddaughter 6 years ago. Even my etymologist friend couldn't say what it was (just from a photo, that is).

    upload_2021-11-9_16-29-56.png upload_2021-11-9_16-31-44.png
     

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