Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Armadillos (Spanish for 'little armored ones') are New World placental mammals in the order Cingulata. They form part of the superorder Xenarthra , along with the anteaters and sloths . 21 extant species of armadillo have been described, some of which are distinguished by the number of bands on their armor.
Nine-banded armadillos generally weigh from 2.5–6.5 kg (5.5–14.3 lb), though the largest specimens can scale up to 10 kg (22 lb). They are one of the largest species of armadillos. [8] Head and body length is 38–58 cm (15–23 in), which combines with the 26–53 cm (10–21 in) tail, for a total length of 64–107 cm (25–42 in).
Giant armadillos are solitary and nocturnal, spending the day in burrows. [6] They also burrow to escape predators, being unable to completely roll into a protective ball. [14] Compared with those of other armadillos, their burrows are unusually large, with entrances averaging 43 cm (17 in) wide, and typically opening to the west. [15]
Armadillos with more plates lack the flexibility required to achieve this position. Armadillos are good swimmers. Even with heavy shells, armadillos have mastered the art of water travel.
Armadillos are chiefly solitary, but this species will occasionally travel in small family groups of up to three members. They are largely nocturnal, but have been known to forage during the day. All the armadillos are spectacular diggers, but unlike most of the other species, three-banded armadillos do not dig in defense or to find shelter.
These armadillos do not do well in captivity. The survival rate is so low that many will die in transport from where they were captured to their new area of captivity. [14] Armadillos that are put into captivity typically do not last longer than a few hours or at most eight days. Not a single specimen has survived more than four years. [15]
For premium support please call: 800-290-4726 more ways to reach us
Unlike most armadillos, they are not fossorial, [1] but will use abandoned giant anteater burrows. [4] The three-banded armadillo has a long, sticky, straw-like pink tongue that allows it to gather up and eat many different species of insects, typically ants and termites. In captivity, armadillos also eat foods such as fruits and vegetables.