Image of Invertebrate iridescent virus 31

Description:

This brilliant colour is caused by IIV-31 (Isopod Iridescent Virus). I've been checking hundreds of pill bugs over several years for this unusual phenomenon and my persistence finally paid off! Sadly, this total colour change is usually the later stage of the virus; once a pill bug is this bright it generally doesn't have much longer to live. This should occur in any sizeable pillbug population so keep an eye out for it! @dlbowls @finatic @jaykeller @tiyumq @loarie @sambiology @glmory @cedric_lee