Find Out Why Armadillos’ Tongues Are So Long

Armadillos are solitary creatures, and their nature reflects that. Even domesticated armadillos still display wild traits like the one in this video. They can roam up to eight acres daily, so an escape route is par for the course. Most armadillos share similar quirks to this one, so keeping one as a pet requires some work. They might be adorable, but they are nature’s perfect shields for a reason.

The Three-Banded Armadillo

The three-banded armadillo is most commonly kept as a pet. It’s native to South America and mostly active at night. This is also the only armadillo that rolls into a ball in self-defense. This might be cute, but it indicates the armadillo feels threatened. This Degrande Farms armadillo shows a playful side, indicating that it feels quite the opposite!

Armadillos are called “curb feelers” because the hair on their bellies acts as sensors. This guides their movements at night, alerting them to objects in their way. In captivity, these hairs help them navigate furniture or kennels. In the wild, these feelers help an armadillo map their territory. Three-banded armadillos are small, measuring only a foot in length. Their tiny bodies weigh only three pounds fully grown, so this extra-sensory ability is crucial.

However, an armadillo’s most noticeable feature is its armored shell. This is where the three-banded armadillo gets its name, using its pleated armor for protection. It looks hard from afar, but the texture resembles that of a fingernail, flexing to allow movement. Softer skin underneath the shell allows the “shield” to move as needed, creating full protection for a balled-up armadillo. The hard plate on the head of the armadillo covers any openings, turning it into a ball of impenetrable armor.

A Nose For Sniffing & Claws for Digging

Three-banded armadillos have an incredible sense of smell. This scent sensitivity helps them sniff out bugs, fruit, and vegetables. Some species, like the nine-banded armadillo, grunt while hunting for food. Three-banded armadillos are not noisy eaters but will use long front claws to dig and forage. These claws are roughly 2.5 inches long and are used with their forelegs to dig up insect colonies, such as ants. In a domestic environment, armadillos must be given plenty of room to dig and roam. However, these digging habits are why armadillos are often considered pests in the wild. For such a small animal, armadillos can wreak havoc on gardens and farms with their digging.

Armadillos favor ants and termites as their primary food source but will eat many things. Beetles, grubs, and earthworms are prominent food sources that require more digging. Eating venomous insects like spiders and scorpions is not uncommon—some armadillos even eat carrion. Its nose may seem tiny, but it’s mighty enough to sniff out a meal.

Solitary By Nature

Armadillos are solitary creatures by nature, and it’s rare to see them around others in the wild. They only co-habitat to mate and raise their pups. A female armadillo can give birth to up to 12 pups in a litter, and they only nurse for two months. This short time span is a testament to their independence, which is also why pet armadillos are rarely seen in pairs or groups.

The only time you’ll find an armadillo congregating with others is when temperatures drop. Armadillos do not have much body fat, making it difficult to hold body heat. In the winter, they can be found huddled together to conserve heat. In this video, you can see a blanket in the box enclosure, which keeps the armadillo warm.

When raised as a pet, domestic armadillos have a milder temperament than wild ones. Some may even enjoy gentle pets or snuggling in your lap! The more comfortable they become around humans, the more confident their behavior may become. In this video, the armadillo has no issue climbing to reach the camera but does showcase one unique feature.

How Long is an Armadillo’s Tongue?

A tough shell and fuzzy belly are cute, but its tongue is an armadillo’s most unique tool. An armadillo’s tongue is sticky and measures up to six inches. This natural flypaper helps them scoop ants and termites from intricate tunnels. The armadillo in this Instagram post is likely looking for or being offered food. Either way, it’s a great example of how one feeds in the wild.

The length of an armadillo’s tongue serves an equally important purpose. This slender body part can easily navigate insect colonies to locate food. This is especially important in the armadillo’s native home of South America, which has multiple ant and termite species. Domestic armadillos like this one will eat from a bowl, and some caretakers prefer to add dirt. This mimics the armadillo’s natural environment and allows them to dig if the container is big enough.