Armadillos are small placental mammals, with a bony armor shell covering. There are around 20 species of the mammal that is recognized by the number of bands on its armor. Nearly all the species reside in North and South America, in varied environmental surroundings, with only one in the United States, namely the Nine Banded Armadillo. The natural habitat of these mammals is such because they cannot stand cold. Their metabolism is quite slow, as a result of which very low heat is produced in the body. However, they are versatile animals and are proficient in swimming and digging. The armor on their back is made up of plates of dermal bone, covered by overlapping scales called ‘scutes’. These act as the main protection from predators. For some more interesting facts and amazing information about Armadillo, read on.
Facts about Armadillo
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Cingulata
Superorder: Xenarthra
Family: Dasypodidae
Species: 20
Height: 13 cm- 150 cm(Depending upon species)
Weight: 85 g - 50 kg (Depending upon species)
Natural Habitat: North and South America
Diet: Omnivorous
Age: 12 - 15 years (In captivity)
Age of Maturity: 3 -12 months
Gestation Period: 60 to 120 days
Number of Offspring: 4
Interesting and Amazing information on Armadillo
- The word ‘Armadillo’ means ‘little armored one’ in Spanish.
- Armadillos are nocturnal, but have poor eyesight.
- Armadillos have lower body temperature as compared to other mammals.
- They are used as research animals for disease like Leprosy.
- Armadillos can jump up in the air to a height of 3 ft, when they are scared.
- Armadillos give birth to four identical young ones at a time. The four offspring develop from the same egg and even share the same placenta.
- Armadillo is a very good swimmer and can float in water by trapping air in its intestines.
- Armadillos have a long sticky tongue to slurp up bugs and ants.
- They have very sharp claws, with the help of which they dig burrows under the surface and even tear ant’s nest.
- Armadillos sleep for about 16 hours a day.
- The young Armadillos do not have the armor, but soft leathery skin instead, which hardens with time.
