![]() Nine-banded armadillos ( Dasypus novemcinctus) have the most northern distribution. ( "Armadillos", 1990 "Checklist of Mammal Names", 2005) Geographic RangeĪrmadillos have a strictly New World distribution, ranging from the central United States (Missouri) through Central and South America, as far south as Cape Horn (at the southern tip of South America). These species vary in size, form, and behavior, but all possess characteristic bony armor. Armadillos are by far the most diverse group of xenarthrans, with a total of twenty-one extant species and two extinct species identified in the family Dasypodidae. ![]() These are further divided into one, six and three genera, respectively. Dasypodidae contains three subfamilies: Tolypeutinae, Euphractinae, and Dasypodinae. As large as a small car! It became extinct at the end of the ice age.Dasypodidae is the only extant family in the order Cingulata, which also contains extinct families Glyptodontidae and Pampatheriidae. It weighed up to 3,086 lb (1,400 kg) and was more than 9.8 feet (3 meters) long. The glyptodon, a giant armadillo, lived about 12,000 years ago. Might there be just a hare hidden in the shell of the nine-banded animal? Only joking! Extinct Armadillos “Novem“ and “cinctus” are Latin terms and mean “nine” and “belt”. ![]() The scientific name of the armadillo is “Dasypus novemncinctus”. How the Armadillo Got Its Scientific Name It still is a serious problem in Third World countries, which often can only offer inadequate medical treatment. Infected persons do not feel any pain and get infected with additional diseases via undetected open wounds. This is an infectious disease caused by bacteria, which can also affect human beings. The seven-banded armadillo even has 7-9 identical babies.Īrmadillo - Photo: Heiko Kiera/Shutterstock Fun Facts Armadillos Are Prone to Leprosyĭue to their weak immune system and their low body temperature, armadillos are rather susceptible for leprosy. It always gives birth to four babies that are absolutely identical. This is not unusual, but normal in the case of the nine-banded armadillo. Imagine you had three brothers or sisters that all look the same and have the same gender. The shell of the babies is still soft and flexible at birth and takes some time to harden. Depending on the species, the gestation period is 2-4 months. It lets itself sink to the ground like a stone and uses its sharp claws to walk to the other shore.Īrmadillo - Photo: Heiko Kiera/Shutterstock ReproductionĪrmadillos are loners and only come together during the mating season. It fills its stomach and bowels with air and swims across the water like a small balloon.Ģ. How Armadillos Cross a RiverĪn armadillo has two methods to cross a river:ġ. It protects the animals from thorny plants and sharp rocks, keeping parasites away and making it harder for predators to attack.Īrmadillo - Photo: Arto Hakola/Shutterstock Behavior Armadillos Sleep All Day LongĪrmadillos sleep 18.5 hours every day. Their armor is made from countless little plates of bone that are surrounded by a horn-like substance (like hair/fingernails). ![]() We know that a rhino’s horn isn’t actually made of bone but of the same material as our hair and fingernails. Anatomy and Appearance What Is the Armadillo’s Armor Made Of? There are 21 species, which live in the semi-deserts, savannahs and steppes of America. Armadillos are armored mammals and belong to the order of the xenarthrans, which have additional vertebral extensions (additional joints).
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