An armadillo is a small to medium-sized mammal known for its distinctive armor-like shell made of bony plates. This shell provides protection from predators. Armadillos are part of the order Cingulata, primarily found in the Americas, especially in South and Central America, with one species, the nine-banded armadillo, extending into North America.
Classification of Armadillos:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Cingulata
- Family: Dasypodidae
There are several genera within the family Dasypodidae, which include a variety of armadillo species, differing in size, habitat, and the number of armor bands. Some notable genera include:
- Dasypus: Includes the nine-banded armadillo, the most widely recognized species.
- Euphractus: Includes the six-banded or yellow armadillo.
- Tolypeutes: Includes the Brazilian three-banded armadillo, known for its ability to roll into a ball.
- Cabassous: Includes the naked-tailed armadillos.
Armadillos are the only living mammals that wear such shells. Their diet mainly consists of insects, grubs, and other invertebrates. They have poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell to locate food. Armadillos are solitary animals that dig burrows and are mostly nocturnal.
