Mammals · Cingulata

Armadillos

Dasypodidae (family)

Threatened

Armadillos are small placental mammals known for a leathery armor shell. Dasypodidae is the only surviving family in the order Cingulata, part of the superorder Xenarthra along with the anteaters and sloths. They are prolific diggers with sharp claws, used both to dig for food such as grubs and to excavate dens.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Cingulata

Family: Dasypodidae

Other names: Hillbilly Speed Bump

Size

3–59 in. long, 8 oz–132 lbs, depending on species. The Giant Armadillo is the largest, up to 39 in. and 132 lbs; the Pink Fairy Armadillo the smallest, as little as 3 in. and 8 oz.

Habitat

Southern United States, Mexico, Central and South America — rain forest, grassland and semi-desert. Of the 20 armadillo species, only the nine-banded is found in the U.S.; the rest live in Latin America.

Description

Sharp claws and a plated protective shell of overlapping scales; soft skin and fur on the underside; short legs.

Behavior

Prolific diggers that dig for food and excavate dens or burrows. Some species roll into a ball for protection; others run and hide in thorny brush. Armadillos sleep up to 16 hours a day.

Diet

Many species use their claws to dig for food — grubs, insects and small invertebrates.

Senses

Poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell.

Gestation

60–150 days, depending on species.

Birth

Litters of 1 to 12 pups, depending on species.

Sexually Mature

Between 9 and 12 months.

Life Span

4–30 years, varying greatly by species.