Do armadillos carry diseases?

Yes, armadillos can carry leprosy and are one of the few animals besides humans that can contract this disease. However, transmission to humans is rare and requires prolonged contact. Armadillos may also carry salmonella and other bacteria. Always avoid handling wild armadillos directly.

What do armadillos eat?

Armadillos primarily eat insects including ants, termites, beetles, and grubs. They are omnivores that also consume small vertebrates, plant matter, and carrion. A nine banded armadillo can eat up to 40,000 ants in one meal. They use their excellent sense of smell to locate prey underground.

Where do armadillos live?

Armadillos are native to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Central and South America to Argentina. The nine banded armadillo is the only species in the U.S. and continues expanding northward. Different species inhabit grasslands, forests, and semi desert environments.

How fast can armadillos run?

Armadillos can run up to 30 mph in short bursts when fleeing from danger. Despite their armored appearance and short legs, they are surprisingly quick. However, they rely more on their ability to quickly dig into the ground or hide in burrows than outrunning predators.

Why do armadillos jump up?

When startled, armadillos instinctively jump 3 to 4 feet straight into the air as a defensive reflex. This behavior likely evolved to escape ground predators. Unfortunately, this jumping reaction often causes armadillos to collide with the underside of vehicles, resulting in many roadway deaths.

How long do armadillos live?

Armadillo lifespans vary by species, typically ranging from 4 to 30 years. Smaller species like the pink fairy armadillo live 5 to 10 years while larger species like the giant armadillo can live up to 30 years. Captive armadillos generally live longer than wild individuals.

Yes, armadillos are surprisingly good swimmers despite their heavy armor. They inflate their intestines with air to increase buoyancy and paddle across water. Alternatively, they can walk along the bottom of rivers and streams while holding their breath for up to six minutes.

Armadillo Facts: Armor, Behavior & Species

Explore the armored mammals of the Americas

Armadillos are armored mammals native to the Americas. Learn about armadillo species, shell structure, digging abilities, diet, and unique behaviors.

Key Facts

Scientific Family

Dasypodidae

Species

21 recognized species

Lifespan

4 to 30 years

Weight

3 oz to 119 lbs (85g to 54kg)

Length

5 to 59 inches (12 to 150 cm)

Diet

Omnivore (mainly insects)

Native Region

Americas (North and South)

Speed

Up to 30 mph (48 km/h)

Digging Speed

Can dig burrow in minutes

Armor Type

Bony plates called scutes

Active Period

Nocturnal and crepuscular

Reproduction

Usually 1 to 12 pups

Quick Stats

Attribute	Value
Scientific Family	Dasypodidae
Number of Species	21 species
Average Lifespan	4 to 30 years
Weight Range	3 oz to 119 lbs
Body Length	5 to 59 inches
Maximum Speed	30 mph (48 km/h)
Body Temperature	89 to 97°F (32 to 36°C)
Gestation Period	60 to 120 days
Conservation Status	Varies by species

About Armadillo Facts: Armor, Behavior & Species

Armadillos are unique mammals covered in protective armor made of bony plates. Native to the Americas, these fascinating creatures range from the tiny pink fairy armadillo weighing just 3 ounces to the giant armadillo at 119 pounds.

Armor and Physical Structure

The armadillo's most distinctive feature is its protective shell made of overlapping bony plates called scutes. These plates are covered with tough skin and connected by flexible bands. The number of bands varies by species, with the nine banded armadillo having nine movable bands across its midsection. Only the three banded armadillo can roll completely into a ball for defense.

Digging and Burrowing Abilities

Armadillos are exceptional diggers with powerful legs and sharp claws. They excavate extensive burrow systems that can reach 15 feet deep and 25 feet long. A single armadillo may maintain up to 12 different burrows in its territory. These burrows provide shelter from extreme temperatures and predators.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

Armadillos are primarily insectivores but qualify as omnivores due to their varied diet. The nine banded armadillo can eat up to 40,000 ants in a single meal. They have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell that detects prey up to 8 inches underground. Armadillos eat mainly at night when insects are most active.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Armadillo reproduction varies significantly among species. The nine banded armadillo has a unique reproductive trait called delayed implantation. After mating, the fertilized egg does not immediately implant in the uterus. It remains dormant for several months before development begins.

Behavior and Adaptations

Armadillos are mostly solitary and nocturnal animals. They have poor vision but compensate with exceptional hearing and smell. When startled, armadillos can jump 3 to 4 feet straight up in the air. Their body temperature is lower than most mammals, ranging from 89 to 97°F.

Habitat and Range Expansion

Armadillos inhabit diverse environments including grasslands, forests, and semi deserts across the Americas. The nine banded armadillo has dramatically expanded its range over the past century. Originally limited to Mexico and Central America, it now ranges from Argentina to the southern United States. Climate change and habitat modification have enabled armadillos to move into new territories.

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Did You Know?

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Nine banded armadillos always give birth to identical quadruplets from a single fertilized egg

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Armadillos can hold their breath for up to six minutes while digging through ant nests

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The word armadillo is Spanish for little armored one, referring to their protective shell

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Armadillos can jump 3 to 4 feet straight up when startled, which often causes car collisions

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The giant armadillo has up to 100 teeth, more than almost any other land mammal

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Armadillos are one of the only animals besides humans that can contract leprosy

Frequently Asked Questions

Only the three banded armadillo from South America can roll completely into a ball. Most armadillo species, including the nine banded armadillo found in the United States, cannot roll up. Instead, they crouch down to protect their soft belly or quickly dig into the ground to escape predators.