armadillo

Armadillos are small to medium-sized mammals native to the Americas. They are part of the order Cingulata and the family Dasypodidae, and they are best known for a protective armor formed by overlapping bony plates called osteoderms that lie beneath a tough, keratin-covered skin. The plates cover the back, flanks, and tail, while the head and limbs are often exposed. Most species have a long, low body, short legs, and strong claws for digging. Among armadillos, the three-banded armadillos (Tolypeutes) are notable for their ability to roll into a ball as a defensive maneuver; other species cannot fully roll up.

Armadillos occur across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America to Argentina and parts of the southern plains. They inhabit a range of environments, including grasslands, forests, deserts, and agricultural areas, and are primarily terrestrial. They are mostly active at night or during twilight and spend substantial time in burrows they dig themselves.

Biology and diet: Armadillos are primarily insectivorous, feeding on ants, termites, beetles, and other invertebrates, but they may also consume fruit and small vertebrates. They rely on a strong sense of smell and a long, sticky tongue to capture prey. Reproduction varies by species, with some giving birth to multiple young after a relatively short gestation.

Conservation and interactions: Threats include habitat loss, hunting, and road mortality in some regions. Armadillos can carry diseases such as leprosy (Mycobacterium leprae) and have been used in medical research, so handling them requires care. The name armadillo comes from Spanish, meaning little armored one.