Armadillos have a hardened, but flexible shell on their backs.
The family dasypodidae, or armadillos, has 20 different species. Armadillos live in the Americas and share several physical and behavioral traits. The species do vary widely in size, however. Armadillos are closely related to the South American sloths and anteaters, sharing several physical traits with those animals.
Appearance
The smallest armadillo is the pink fairy armadillo, which grows to between 5 and 6 inches long and weighs about 3 ounces. On the other end of the scale, the giant armadillo grows to almost 3 feet long and weighs up to 71 pounds. All armadillo species have the characteristic hardened, bony shell covering the back. The shells are made up of tough plates between which are areas of skin, making a flexible shell covering. The animal's underside is vulnerable and soft, so some of the armadillo species can actually roll into a ball for protection.
Habitat and Range
Armadillos live throughout much of South America and all of Central America. The nine-banded armadillo is the only species to live in the U.S. and is native to the hotter southern states. All armadillo species prefer warm tropical climates. Because they have poor metabolism and low stores of body fat, they can not tolerate cold conditions for long. Rain forests, open grasslands and semi-desert regions provide the most suitable habitats for armadillos.
Diet and Predators
Armadillos are omnivores, eating both animals and plant material. Using powerful claws and a long sticky tongue, armadillos break into insect mounds to feed on ants and termites. Armadillos also eat a range of other insects, including beetles and worms. Larger armadillo species may feed on small amphibians and reptiles. Fruits and plant material are a smaller part of the diet of some species. The hardened shell serves to protect the armadillo somewhat, but it is not perfect. Large predators such as jaguars and pumas can easily make a meal of any armadillo.
Life Cycle
Most armadillos lead a solitary lifestyle, only coming together during the breeding season. Some species may travel in small groups. The adult armadillos get together to breed and may spend some time together courting before mating. The female is the sole caregiver and gives birth to a litter of one or two offspring. The young mature quickly and generally leave the mother after a few months. The average life expectancy for most armadillos in the wild is 15 to 20 years.
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