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Armadillos ( Spanish for 'little armored ones') are New World placental mammals in the order Cingulata. They form part of the superorder Xenarthra, along with the anteaters and sloths. 21 extant species of armadillo have been described, some of which are distinguished by the number of bands on their armor.
Learn about the armadillo, a leathery mammal with a thick skin that lives in North, Central, and South America. Find out about its different species, behaviors, threats, and more.
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May 10, 2024 · Learn about armadillos, the armoured mammals of Central and South America, with 20 species and various adaptations. Find out how they live, feed, breed, and cope with threats and challenges.
- Bob Strauss
- There Are 21 Identified Armadillo Species. The nine-banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus, is by far the most familiar, but armadillos come in an impressive range of shapes and sizes, and with some of the most amusing names.
- Armadillos Live in North, Central, and South America. Armadillos are exclusively New World mammals, originating in South America millions of years ago during the Cenozoic Era, when the Central American isthmus had yet to form and this continent was cut off from North America.
- The Plates of Armadillos Are Made of Bone. Unlike the horns of rhinos or the fingernails and toenails of humans, the plates of armadillos are made of solid bone.
- Armadillos Feed Exclusively on Invertebrates. The vast majority of armored animals—from the long-extinct Ankylosaurus to the modern pangolin—evolved, so their plates were not for intimidating other creatures but to avoid being eaten by predators.
Learn about armadillos, the only living mammals with bony plates that cover their bodies. Find out how they live, what they eat, and how they defend themselves from predators.
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Oct 6, 2015 · The nine-banded armadillo is the official state animal of Texas. The giant armadillo can have up to 100 teeth, according to the San Diego Zoo. The screaming hairy armadillo gets it name from...
Jun 13, 2022 · Armadillos, native to Central and South America, have been moving northward into the U.S. for over a century, adapting to warmer temperatures and insect-rich habitats. Learn how these armored mammals have surprised scientists and residents in Virginia and other states, and what factors limit their range and impact.
