Facts on Armadillos

Armadillos are timid animals that survive on a mostly insect diet. Because of their scaly appearance, they are often mistaken for reptiles when, in fact, they are the only living mammals to have hard shells covering their bodies. This species, related to anteaters and sloths, survive best in warmer climates. Of the 20 types of armadillos, most live in Latin America. The nine-banded armadillo is the only type that can be found in the United States.

  1. Appearance

    • The word "Armadillo" is Spanish for "little armored one." This is an appropriate name for these mammals, as their backs, heads, limbs, tails and heads are covered in hard, bony shells which are usually dark in color. Armadillos are the only living mammal with such plates, which help protect them from predators. Armadillos have small heads in comparison with the rest of their body and have two small ears, a long snout and tiny slits for eyes. These mammals walk on all fours and they also have tails which can grow to up to 19 inches in length. They have strong claws which they use while hunting. One type of endangered armadillo, the giant armadillo, can weigh up to 60 pounds, but the average armadillo does not weigh more than 22 pounds.

    Habitat

    • Armadillos have a low body heat which means they cannot live in cold habitats. They live in warm, temperate regions such as grasslands, rain forests or semi-deserts. A few days of unseasonably cold weather can be deadly to armadillos. Typically armadillos dig burrows for homes and can sleep up to 16 hours a day. They will often rush to their burrows if they feel imminent danger approaching. Armadillos can curl their bodies to help protect themselves, but they cannot hide completely.

    Diet

    • Like anteaters, armadillos survive mostly on insects, which they capture with long, sticky tongues. On occasion, armadillos eat small vegetables, fruits, berries and plants. They typically hunt for beetles, spiders, ants and termites in the early morning and evening. Armadillos have extremely poor eyesight. Because of this, they rely heavily on their sense of smell and their sense of hearing to find food or prepare for approaching predators. Armadillos have few teeth and their teeth are not covered with enamel, which means their food needs to be soft. Their claws help them break into insect nests when necessary or to dig into the ground to reach insects.

    Other Facts

    • Armadillos are usually sexually mature a year after their birth. Female armadillos have been known to give birth more than a year after capture, due to the fact they can delay the fertilization of eggs. The nine-banded armadillo is the only mammal who gives birth to four identical young. This is because they are all developed from the same egg. Baby armadillos have shells as soft as human fingernails. They become harder as they mature. Because armadillos have low body fat, they must hunt for food on a daily basis. Armadillos are strong swimmers who can go long distances, holding their breath for four- to six-minute intervals.