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The Giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) is the largest living species of armadillo that lives in South America. It prefers termites and some ants as prey and often consumes the entire population of a termite mound. This species is considered vulnerable to extinction.
The giant armadillo is the largest living species of armadillo, with 11 to 13 hinged bands protecting the body and a further three or four on the neck. Its body is dark brown in color, with a lighter, yellowish band running along the sides, and a pale, yellow-white head.
- What is the scientific classification for the largest living armadillo? Kingdom: Animalia. Phylum: Chordata. Class: Mammalia. Order: Cingulata. Family: Chlamyphoridae.
- What other names does it go by? Locally you may hear giant armadillos also called tatou, ocarro, tatu-canastra, tatú carreta, and cachicamo gigante.
- What does the name armadillo mean? Armadillo comes from the Spanish word for armor, and can be translated as “little armored one.” Although, as we’ll see, some armadillos are not all that little.
- How many species of armadillos are there? There are 21 living species of armadillos and 9 extinct species. The largest armadillo in the world is the aptly named Giant Armadillo.
May 22, 2023 · The giant armadillo, also called tatou, ocarro, and other names come by its common name honestly. It is a huge animal for its order, Cingulata, and can weigh well over 71 pounds and be over 3 feet long without the tail, which can add another 20 inches to its length.
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- AZ Animals
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- Mammalia
- Chordata
- Animalia
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- Their shells are made of bone. Armadillo shells are composed of bony plates covered in scales. The part that covers their bodies is called a carapace and is made up of segmented bands.
- Most cannot curl up into balls. Not all armadillos are capable of wrapping themselves up in their armor. As a matter of fact, only one species—the three-banded armadillo—can curl up into a complete ball.
- They have exceptionally sticky tongues. To help them reach deep into holes and latch onto prey, armadillos have sticky tongues that resemble that of anteaters.
- They have very poor eyesight. Armadillos have extremely poor eyesight. To make up for this, they use their strong sense of smell to navigate their surroundings and hunt.
Nov 20, 2022 · Conclusion. Giant Armadillo Description. The Giant Armadillo is one of the largest armadillos in the world, weighing up to 140 pounds. It is found in South America and is the only member of the genus Priodontes. The Giant Armadillo is a nocturnal creature and is an excellent digger, using its powerful claws to excavate burrows.
Lifespan. Sounds & Communication. Adaptations. Predators. IUCN Conservation Status. Interesting Fact. Scientific Classification. Physical Description. Size: Giant armadillos usually measure around 30-39 inches (75-100 cm). Weight: Adults weigh at around 41-72 lb (18.7-32.5 kg).
