Southern Three-banded Armadillo
Tolypeutes matacus
Armadillos are in a group of animals called Xenarthra, along with sloths and anteaters.
Home
Range
Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina
Habitat
Open grassy areas, open forests, marshes
Diet
Armadillos dig into insect colonies and bark with their strong front claws to feed on ants and termites.
Reproduction
One young, born about the size of a golf ball.
Social Structure
Usually solitary
Fun Facts
This is the only armadillo species that can roll itself into a nearly perfect sphere
when frightened. Its ears tuck in, and its tail and head fit together so that predators cannot reach its vulnerable underside.
Armadillo headplates are unique to each armadillo, like human fingerprints.
Armadillos are in the order Cingulata.
