Armadillo

Dasypodidae

Last updated: March 10, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© http://www.birdphotos.com, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License / Original

Can curl into a hard, protective ball!


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Armadillo Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Cingulata
Family
Dasypodidae
Genus
Dasypus
Scientific Name
Dasypodidae

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Armadillo Conservation Status


Armadillo Facts

Main Prey
Insects, Ants, Termites
Distinctive Feature
Armoured plated skin and can curl into a ball
Habitat
Forest and grasslands
Predators
Bear, Wolf, Coyote
Diet
Omnivore
Average Litter Size
4
Lifestyle
  • Solitary
Favorite Food
Insects
Type
Mammal
Location
United States
Slogan
Can curl into a hard, protective ball!

Armadillo Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Grey
  • Black
  • Pink
Skin Type
Boney Plates
Top Speed
30 mph
Lifespan
4 - 12 years
Weight
4kg - 30kg (9lbs - 66lbs)
Length
36cm - 75cm (14in - 30in)

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“The armadillo is the only known mammal to have a fully developed shell.”

Resembling an armor-plated vehicle, the armadillo is outfitted with formidable protection against its natural adversaries and predators, which are unable to pierce the tough hide. This natural defense has enabled this creature to thrive for millions of years across the Western Hemisphere. Very few mammals can match its sheer resilience and survivability.

Armadillo infographic

Incredible Armadillo Facts

  • The armored shell consists of overlapping scales known as scutes. These scales are made from keratin, a protein also found in hair and nails. Evidence suggests that this keratin is actually just modified skin that evolved for defensive protection.
  • Armadillos are animals that are naturally susceptible to several human diseases, including leprosy.
  • In human societies, armadillos are animals that have been traditionally used as food, clothing, and even musical instruments, and they are symbolic creatures in many different cultures. Rudyard Kipling brought this animal to greater worldwide prominence in his short story “The Beginning of the Armadillos” from his 1902 children’s book Just So Stories, in which it was featured as a symbol for cleverness.
  • A group of gigantic armadillos with spiky club-shaped tails once roamed across the Americas beginning around 20 million years ago. Formally known as the glyptodonts, it is believed that they were as big as a Volkswagen Beetle. Despite their enormous size, they were actually grazing herbivores that lacked canine teeth. They appeared to go extinct around the last ice age more than 10,000 years ago.
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Scientific Name

Armadillo

Armadillos are relatively fast.

©mariamalaya/Shutterstock.com

The term armadillo is derived from a Spanish word meaning “little armored one,” which was given by Spanish colonialists and explorers who spotted the unusual creature upon their travels through the Americas. The Aztecs had their own term for this creature: ayotochin, a word meaning turtle-rabbit.

Modern armadillos belong to the order Cingulata, a Latin word meaning girdle. It is believed that this order originated some 60 million years ago when South America was more isolated from the North American landmass. The entire order was once far more diverse, containing a multitude of different armored animals.



Today, there are only two major subfamilies of armadillos remaining: the Chlamyphoridae and the Dasypodidae. Of the two, Chlamyphoridae is the most populated. Only one genus of Dasypodidae remains, though it contains the widespread nine-banded armadillo. More distantly, the armadillo is related to anteaters and sloths.

Origins and Evolution

Are Armadillos Mammals

Nine-Banded Armadillo’s armored appearance makes it look reptilian, but this almost hairless animal is a mammal.

©iStock.com/6381380

Together, armadillos (order Cingulata) and sloths and anteaters (order Pilosa) make up the superorder Xenarthra. These animals first evolved around fifty million years ago in what is now South America.

The ancestors of the armadillo, the glyptodon and panocthus, were quite large compared to today’s armadillos and had tough shells. You may have seen a glyptodon in the movie Ice Age, where they were depicted as the size of a Volkswagen Beetle. While modern armadillos have downsized, they still have the same protective shell of their ancient relatives.

Due to their protective bony armor, armadillos were able to thrive until a land bridge connected North and South America. This allowed large canine and feline predators to move southward and hunt the native animals, resulting in seventy percent of them becoming extinct. Even though the armadillos’ shells are made of bone, they are thin enough that even a medium-sized dog can easily break through them.

The armadillo has proved to be a very resilient species, surviving the introduction of North American predators and even expanding its territory as far north as the Ohio river valley. The beautiful armadillo was an example of this species, being almost identical to the nine-banded armadillo we know today but much larger. Its fossilized scutes have been uncovered across the midwestern United States.

Approximately 11,000 years ago, armadillos in North America ceased to exist for an unknown cause. In the mid-1800s, they reemerged near the Rio Grande and gradually migrated to the southeast and midwest portions of the United States. Unfortunately, their growth has been hindered by their weak tolerance to cold temperatures and lack of fat, making them susceptible to freezing when exposed to cold temperatures, even briefly. Nevertheless, they have had no problem relocating to warmer climates and are believed to be present in the US in the amount of 30 to 50 million.

Appearance

Top 10 Animals That Have Shells - armadillo

Armadillos have long tails and sharp claws for digging.

©iStock.com/Ondrej Prosicky

Armadillos look a bit like armored opossums (though unrelated) with their pointed snouts, short legs, long tails, sharp claws, and big ears. These creatures are commonly known for their rather plain gray or brown appearance, but in fact, some armadillos have pink, red, or even yellow coloring. They also vary widely in size. The smallest is the pink fairy armadillo at a mere 5 inches long, whereas the largest is the giant armadillo at an impressive 59 inches and 120 pounds in weight. This is the size of some larger dogs. Giant armadillos also have up to 100 teeth and six-inch claws.

Shell

The armadillo’s most prominent feature, the scaly-looking shell, provides armor-like protection against predators. The armor covers most of the head and body and sometimes the legs as well. Despite popular misconception, only one species, the three-banded armadillo, can roll into a ball. The other species dig deep into the ground with their sharp claws to protect their softer parts from damage when threatened by a predator. The number of armored bands on the shell varies by species. In fact, many species are named after the number of bands.

Behavior

Armadillo walking on a dirt path

A Nine-banded Armadillo in the Green Swamp, central Florida.

©http://www.birdphotos.com, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Armadillos are very gifted diggers. By using their sharp claws, they can create massive burrows in the ground to serve as a safe and comfortable home, where, lined with leaves and vegetation, they sleep for up to 16 hours a day. In fact, they are such proficient diggers that their abandoned burrows are sometimes inhabited by snakes, rabbits, skunks, rats, and many other animals. Other potential sources of armadillo nests include hollow logs and long grasses or shrubs.

The digging ability also serves another important purpose: it is the main means of locating food in the ground. This is bolstered by their superior sense of smell, which makes up for their relatively poor eyesight. They can easily sniff out hidden food beyond the sight of most animals. Moreover, long sprouts of hair on their skin (though not their shell) allow them to feel their way around narrow gaps and enclosed environments. Like the anteater, the armadillo has a remarkably long tongue to suck up its prey, hiding deep within the ground.

Armadillos have incredibly flexible social arrangements that may change depending on the situation. Most of the time, they enjoy a solitary existence, especially when they come out at night to hunt and forage for food (they are mostly nocturnal animals). But they will sometimes congregate together for several different reasons. The first reason for coming together is to find a mate for the breeding season. The second reason is that they will often huddle together in their burrows to keep warm during cold bouts. Because of a low average body temperature and metabolic rate, they are extremely intolerant to cold weather. For this reason, prolonged periods of cold can be a death sentence.

Read here to find out if armadillos are dangerous.

Habitat

Six-banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus) eating

Armadillos live in Central and South America and the United States.

©Giedriius/Shutterstock.com

Armadillos are almost exclusively endemic to Central America and South America. The only exception is the nine-banded species, which is also found in the United States. They are completely absent from Africa, the Eurasian supercontinent, and the Australian area. The greatest variation of this species is found around the Paraguay region. This is due to the fact that it evolved in South America and only slowly migrated out to the rest of the hemisphere. It is possible that armadillos will continue to expand northward into the northern United States and Canada as the climate warms.

Armadillos live in grasslands, rainforests, wetlands, and semi-desert regions of the Americas. These ecosystems provide plenty of places with sandy or loose soil for easy digging and excavation. However, because of their diverse diet, these creatures are capable of surviving in a large number of different ecosystems and habitats.

Population

Are Armadillos Mammals baby

Armadillos give birth to live young. They typically have large litters of up to 15 baby armadillos. Their babies are called pups.

©Rose Waddell/Shutterstock.com

Although exact population numbers remain unknown, the armadillo, as a group, appears to be in relatively strong health. According to the IUCN Red List, most species are listed as least concern, and yet some are facing the prospect of steep decline. The giant armadillo and the Brazilian three-banded armadillo are both vulnerable to extinction. Population numbers may be decreasing due to the destruction of their natural habitat across South America. Conservationists have focused their efforts on reducing habitat loss and deliberate deaths from hunting and poisoning.

Diet

Animals that Eat Insects – Naked-Tailed Armadillo

The Northern naked-tailed armadillo spends most of its time in tunnels underground and mainly feeds on ants and termites.

©Yara Oliveira/Shutterstock.com

Armadillos have adapted to rely on a nearly inexhaustible food source, spending most of the day foraging for invertebrates and larvae. Ants and termites appear to be a favorite meal for many species of armadillo, but they will also eat beetles, cockroaches, wasps, spiders, snails, scorpions, and much more. Other sources of food include fruits, vegetation, eggs, small reptiles and amphibians, and carrion.

Lacking sharp incisors or canines, their short, flat teeth are well-suited for consuming small, crunchy animals and plant matter. Combined with their long tongues, armadillos can consume an impressive amount of food per day. They are generally helpful for humans as they dispose of insects and pests that can harm crops. However, armadillos can inadvertently destroy crops themselves by digging around in the dirt. For this reason, some farmers have considered them a nuisance.

Predators

Jaguar

Jaguars move at high speeds and can reach up to 80 miles per hour and can easily catch and eat an Armadillo.

©Sergey Uryadnikov/Shutterstock.com

Armadillos face danger from all kinds of predators, including jaguars, coyotes, bobcats, wolves, bears, and large hawks, and other birds of prey. The armored shell is obviously its main means of defense. If this fails, then it may try to lash out with its sharp claws, attempt to play dead, or simply run away. Although it may not look like it, the armadillo is actually an agile runner and jumper, capable of making a quick escape. One species of armadillo, the nine-banded, can actually float across the water by taking in enough air to make its entire body buoyant.

Throughout human history, these animals have often been hunted as a source of food or for their parts, especially in South America. During the Great Depression, they sometimes became a last resort for desperate and hungry people. They were described as “Hoover hogs” by those who blamed the president for their economic struggles.

Armadillos are also vulnerable to many other types of human activity, including road accidents, poisoning, or extermination. The biggest threat to the continued existence is the loss of rainforests, wetlands, and other habitats across South America. The armadillo is resilient and capable of adapting to many different situations, but it is gradually being pushed out of its natural habitat.

Reproduction, Babies, and Lifespan

Pink Fairy Armadillo (Chlamyphorus truncatus)

Armadillos can have up to 15 babies at once.

©Cliff / CC BY 2.0 – License

The armadillo’s breeding season varies by species and region. Some armadillos can breed year-round, while others only breed at specific times of the year. Males rely on their strong sense of smell to locate a potential mate. One species, the yellow or six-banded armadillo, engages in a truly elaborate courtship ritual in which the female will run from her male suitors. After the fastest male catches her, they will mate even as the female continues running.

There are other unique and bizarre aspects to armadillo anatomy and reproduction. The male, for instance, has one of the largest penis sizes to body lengths among all mammals. The females also have the ability to delay the implantation of the egg after copulation until food is more plentiful. And compared to other mammals of a similar size, armadillos are truly prolific breeders. The seven-banded armadillo can produce between eight and 15 identical babies, or pups, at a time. The nine-banded armadillo can produce four identical babies. However, some species may only produce one or two pups at a time.

Once conceived, the babies develop quickly. After a gestation period of only two to five months, the young pups are born. At first, their skin is soft and vulnerable, but they develop hardened armor over a matter of weeks. They are then weaned during a two- to four-month period. Within a year, they reach full sexual maturity and are ready to venture out on their own.

Depending on the species, armadillos have a lifespan lasting anywhere between four and 30 years. In captivity, they have been known to live even longer. However, some species may not be suited for captivity and tend not to live very long in zoos or wildlife centers.

In the Zoo

20 Types of Armadillos

Top 10 Animals That Have Shells - armadillo

There are 20 different species of armadillos.

©Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock.com

Armadillos are incredible creatures that originated in South America. Like humans, they are mammals. Contrary to popular belief, armadillos are neither rodents nor marsupials and have no relation to opossums. There are a total of twenty distinct species of armadillos. Here they are:

GenusScientific NameArmadillo Common Name
CalyptophractusCalyptophractus retususGreater fairy armadillo
ChlamyphorusChlamyphorus truncatusPink fairy armadillo
CabassousCabassous chacoensisChacoan naked-tailed armadillo
CabassousCabassous tatouayGreater naked-tailed armadillo
CabassousCabassous centralisNorthern naked-tailed armadillo
CabassousCabassous unicinctusSouthern naked-tailed armadillo
ChaetophractusChaetophractus nationiAndean hairy armadillo
ChaetophractusChaetophractus villosusHairy armadillo
ChaetophractusChaetophractus vellerosusLittle hairy armadillo
DasypusDasypus kappleriGreat long-nosed armadillo
DasypusDasypus pilosusHairy long-nosed armadillo
DasypusDasypus sabanicolaLlanos long-nosed armadillo
DasypusDasypus novemcinctusNine-banded armadillo
DasypusDasypus septemcinctusSeven-banded armadillo
DasypusDasypus hybridusSouthern long-nosed armadillo
EuphractusEuphractus sexcinctusSix-banded armadillo
PriodontesPriodontes maximumGiant armadillo
TolypeutesTolypeutes tricinctusBrazillian three-banded armadillo
TolypeutesTolypeutes matacusSouthern three-banded armadillo
ZaedyusZaedyus pichiyDwarf armadillo

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About the Author

Ashley Haugen is a lifelong animal lover and professional writer and editor. When she's not immersed in A-Z-Animals.com, she can be found hanging out with her dogs and birds.

Armadillo FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How many species of armadillo are there?

There are currently more than 20 living species of armadillos in the world, most of them located in South America. However, dozens more extinct species have been documented from the fossil record.

Are armadillos considered pests?

Armadillos can sometimes be a nuisance to humans, but if you want to remove an armadillo from your land, then you should do it in a safe and humane manner by contacting a local wildlife service.

Can an armadillo hurt you?

Armadillos pose very little risk to humans, but they are sometimes carriers of diseases, so you should try not to handle them yourself.

Are armadillos friendly?

If not accustomed to the presence of humans, armadillos are skittish and shy. They almost always keep their distance from people. If you see an armadillo, it is a good idea to leave it alone.

Are Armadillos herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Armadillos are Omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals.

What Kingdom do Armadillos belong to?

Armadillos belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What phylum do Armadillos belong to?

Armadillos belong to the phylum Chordata.

What class do Armadillos belong to?

Armadillos belong to the class Mammalia.

What family do Armadillos belong to?

Armadillos belong to the family Dasypodidae.

What order do Armadillos belong to?

Armadillos belong to the order Cingulata.

What genus do Armadillos belong to?

Armadillos belong to the genus Dasypus.

What type of covering do Armadillos have?

Armadillos are covered in Boney Plates.

Where do Armadillos live?

Armadillos live in the United States.

In what type of habitat do Armadillos live?

Armadillos live in forests and grasslands.

What is the main prey for Armadillos?

Armadillos prey on insects, ants, and termites.

What are some predators of Armadillos?

Predators of Armadillos include bears, wolves, and coyotes.

What are some distinguishing features of Armadillos?

Armadillos have armored plated skin and can curl into a ball.

How many babies do Armadillos have?

The average number of babies an Armadillo has is 4.

What is an interesting fact about Armadillos?

The Armadillo can curl into a hard, protective ball!

What is the scientific name for the Armadillo?

The scientific name for the Armadillo is Dasypodidae.

What is the lifespan of an Armadillo?

Armadillos can live for 4 to 12 years.

How fast is an Armadillo?

An Armadillo can travel at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

Aardvark Vs Armadillo: What are the main differences?

The main differences between an aardvark and an armadillo are their range, body structure, defense mechanism, and order. While aardvarks are natives of Africa, belonging to the Tubulidentata order, armadillos belong to the Cingulata and are found mainly in the Americas. Aardvarks have short furs that cover their body while armadillos have a bony armor called osteoderm around their body.

 

What are the key differences between an armadillo and an anteater?

The key differences between an armadillo and an anteater are size, armor, hair, diet, feeding, and number of species.

How to say Armadillo in ...
Danish
Bæltedyr
German
Gürteltiere
English
Armadillos
Spanish
Dasypodidaees
Finnish
Vyötiäiset
French
Tatou
Hungarian
Tatu
Italian
Dasypodidaeit
Dutch
Gordeldieren
English
Beltedyr
Polish
Pancerniki
Portuguese
Tatu
Swedish
Bältdjur

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. San Diego Zoo, Available here: https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/armadillo
  2. Alfred L. Gardner for Britannica, Available here: https://www.britannica.com/animal/armadillo-mammal
  3. National Geographic, Available here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/group/armadillos/
  4. Patricia Edmonds for National Geographic, Available here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/07/basic-instincts-armadillo/

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