ARMADILLO

any of numerous mammals of the family Dasypodidae, order Edentata, related to sloths and anteaters. Armadillos are found in tropical and subtropical regions, primarily in South America; most species inhabit open areas, but some live in forests. Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). There are 9 genera and 20 species of armadillos. The three-, six-, and nine-banded armadillos (Tolypeutes, Euphractus, and Dasypus, respectively) are named for the number of movable bands in their armour. One species of nine-banded armadillo (D. novemcinctus; see photograph) is the only armadillo to range into the United States, where it reaches as far as northern Texas. The pichi (Zaedyus pichi) is a common small resident of Argentinian Patagonia. Armadillos are stout, short-legged animals with strong, curved claws and protective coverings of pinkish to brown armour. The armour is composed of solid, bucklerlike plates separated by movable transverse bands. It covers most of the body, including the head and usually the tail. The coat ranges from a scattering of hairs in such forms as the nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus) to a comparatively dense coat of soft, white hair on the underparts and sides in the pink fairy armadillo, or lesser pichiciago (Chlamyphorus truncatus). The size of armadillos varies considerably, from an overall length of about 16 cm (6.5 inches) in the pink fairy armadillo to about 1.5 m (5 feet) in the giant armadillo (Priodontes giganteus). Armadillos live alone, in pairs, or in small groups. They are primarily nocturnal and live in burrows, coming out to feed on termites and other insects, vegetation, small animals, and some carrion. They are strong diggers and are also good swimmers, swallowing air to make themselves buoyant in water. Armadillos are timid animals. When threatened, they retreat to their burrows or, if caught in the open, draw in their feet so their armour touches the ground. They may also run away, burrow, or claw at the attacker. The three-banded armadillos (Tolypeutes) are able to roll up into a ball as a means to protect their vulnerable underparts. The pink fairy armadillo and Burmeister's armadillo (Burmeisteria retusa) have vertical armour plates on their hindquarters. The pink fairy armadillo uses this plate to plug the entrance to its burrow, and Burmeister's armadillo probably does the same. Some species of female armadillos bear one to 12 identical young, all of which develop from a single fertilized egg. The gestation period, which is not known for all armadillos, is about 65 days in one species of peludo, or hairy armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus). It is four months in one of the nine-banded armadillos (D. novemcinctus), not including a delay of several months between fertilization of the egg and its implantation in the wall of the uterus.