Armadillo is Spanish for “little armored one” Known for their leathery shell

Placental mammal = just like us! Only surviving member of their Order

(Cingulata) Closest living relative are sloths and

anteaters Over 20 species Weigh 10-20 lbs Body length is

15-23 inches Tail is 5-19 inches 6-10 inches tall

Nocturnal Built for digging

Food (grubs) Dens

Nine-banded armadillo is the only species found in the US

Restricted to the Southeastern US

Has recently expanded its range northward

Giant armadillo

Range of the nine-banded armadillo

Poor vision Short legs, but can move quickly Can stay underwater for up to 6 minutes Armor is its main protection

Formed by plates of dermal bone Covered in relatively small, overlapping

epidermal scales called "scutes"

Three-Banded

Armadillo

Nine-banded armadillos always give birth to 4 identical babies Only mammal to do so All develop from the

same egg and develop their own placenta

After birth, the quadruplets remain in the burrow for ~ 3 months

Babies leave the burrow to fend for themselves after ~ 6 months

Nine-banded armadillo is abundant in the US Jumps straight up in the air (3-4 ft ) when

scared Can be a particular danger on roads

All other species are threatened or endangered Nuisance Habitat loss