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15 Cute Facts About Armadillos

The armadillos are armor-clad mammals that will be found in America typically speaking. They have always aroused the curiosity of nature enthusiasts because of their uniqueness and hence why they continue to be studied. Due to their impenetrable bony plates, these unique and beautiful creatures have adapted for survival in a wide range of environments from rainforest to desert. There are so many interesting and adorable facts about these animals that I bet you did not know before. Let’s take a look.

1. They are covered with plates known as scutes

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What makes these animals unique is the bony armor that covers the whole of their bodies. This distinctive armor comprises bony plates that fuse with their skin in order to create protective scutes. The scutes cover their heads, back, tails, and sides although they vary in number and rigidity among the different species of armadillos. This is to cater to their different needs in terms of flexibility and movement. The main aim of the scutes is to protect them from predators and environmental hazards. Fun fact: The scutes are made up of the same protein that is found in human hair and nails and is shed and regrown occasionally so as to repair damages that have been done to accommodate the armadillos’ growth.

2. Armadillos’ underbelly remains unarmored

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As much as the majority of the armadillo’s body is covered in scutes, its underbelly remains unarmored and uncovered. Instead, it features sparse hairs for insulation and sensory purposes. This comes in handy during cold seasons and they are in need of a little heat.

3. They are the best diggers

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Armadillos are said to have adopted a great skill of digging and this comes in very handy in helping them survive in the wild. These animals though not so huge and strong, can dig through the soil and be able to create burrow systems using the curved claws on their hind and front legs that are exceptionally strong. The burrows typically protect them from predators and provide them with a comfortable resting environment that has stable and humid levels. Usually, they use their powerful front claws to effectively shovel the dirt out of their way. Moreover, they do rely on their very iconic sense of smell to detect insects and other invertebrates living underground seeing as this is their source of food.

4. They can inflate their stomachs to swim.

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Armadillos are quite good and agile swimmers and this is what separates them from other mammals. Their extraordinary and remarkable swimming abilities. Usually, they inflate their stomachs to help them navigate rivers, ponds, and basically any body of rivers. When they gulp air, it provides them with a kind of buoyancy that help them glide across the water’s surface easily. They paddle using their front and hind limbs and this is what helps them navigate through any obstacle they may across in the water.

5. They’re also very fast on land

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Armadillos are not only very good swimmers but also exceptionally fast on land. For instance, the nine-banded species of armadillo can sprint up to 30 miles per hour at a go. This fastness is what enables them to dodge predators and move through their environments swiftly and effectively.

6. They enjoy fruits, plants and small verterbrate too

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Armadillos are solitary animals who enjoy spending most of their tomes alone. They typically eat insects like ants, termites, and other small insects, using their high sense of smell to locate them. They can consume up to a thousand insects in one sitting and this usually helps them regulate insect populations and maintain the ecological balance. However, they are not limited to only this diet. They are more opportunistic eaters who eat whatever is available in their area. They can eat amphibians, for example, reptiles even other mammals when the chance presents itself. They can also eat roots, fruits like melon and berries, foliage, and many other kinds of plants.

7. Female armadillos can give birth to identical quadruplets in one sitting

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When it comes to reproductory systems, armadillos also have quite a unique one. An interesting aspect is how the female armadillos can give birth to unique identical quadruplets in a single litter. This especially occurs in the nine-banded specie.

8. They have a gestation period of 120 days

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They usually have a gestation period of around 120 days and give birth to a litter of four pups at a go, all covered in soft, leathery skin. On the other hand, larger species, such as the giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) and the greater long-nosed armadillo (Dasypus kappleri), have gestation periods of 120 days. Forming their larger and more complex body armor requires an extended development time to proceed properly. Moreover, a longer gestation period often results in offspring that are better prepared for survival shortly after birth. 

9. Baby armadillos develop their armor weeks after birth

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Baby armadillos as noted earlier, develop their body armors weeks after they are born.  Within a few weeks after their birth, their skin transforms into protective armor and grows to become the adult armadillos we know of. When they are born, they typically have soft and leathery skin that provides only minimal protection. The most amazing thing however is that within hours, their skin begins to harden and within no time, a strong suit of armor made of keratin starts to replace their original skin. As the young armadillos grow, their armor grow with them.

10. Three- banded specie of armadillos usually curls up into a ball for protection

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The three-banded specie of armadillo is considered unique among other species of armadillo because of their remarkable defensive ability. It will curl up into a ball to protect itself from danger. However, it is important to note that the Brazilian three-banded armadillo and the Southern three-banded armadillo are the only armadillo species that do this. They protect themselves against predators like birds of prey and big cats. The other species just burrow into the ground or simply seek cover when they feel threatened.

11. Armadillos are hunted for their meat

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Usually people practice armadillo hunting and this is a culturally significant tradition in South America, Central America, and the Southern United States. In the typical sense, these animals are hunted for their meat and shells and the shells are used for various purposes. For instance, its meat has a flavor and texture deeply loved by many and is a very sought-after ingredient for traditional stews, soups, and roasts. It is however important to note that armadillo hunting must be done with precaustion because excessive hunting of them could lead to a threat to the animal population. It should therefore be done with moderation.

12. Their shells provide important material for local handicrafts

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Apart from their dietary importance, armadillos’ shells contribute a lot to local handicrafts. Their carapaces, which is a section of the shells are used to make bowls or containers and can be curved to make designed ornaments. In essence, therefore, their shells can make beautiful jewelry hence why they are so popularly hunted down sometimes.

13. Some of the species of armadillo are vulnerable to habitat loss

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Most Armadillos species have been classified by the International Union for Conservationship as the ‘Least Concern.’ Simply put, this means they are at a low risk of extinction. However, species like the giant armadillo and the pink fairy armadillo have been termed as facing threats of habitat loss hence earning the title, ‘vulnerable species.’ Because of how humans have destroyed habitation through deforestation, urbanization, infrastructure development, etc., these species of armadillos are facing a limited supply of food and they now have a lower chance of survival.

14. Armadillos can transmit and contract leprosy.

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According to research, the nine-banded species of armadillo has become major contributors to leprosy thanks to their ability to contract and transmit this disease. The bacteria that causes leprosy thrive mostly in an armadillo body because of its low temperature that resembles that of humans hence why it is very possible that they can transmit the disease. The first case for example, was recorded in the 1970s and since then, researchers have gained insights into the disease’s pathogens and what causes its vulnerability. Being able to study the affected armadillos has enabled scientists to develop and test new treatments and vaccines for leprosy. This has profoundly improved human life.

15. They are the only mammals with a shell

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As noted earlier, armadillos have shells that play a number roles. They protect them among other functions. Remember however that they are mammals as purported in the way they have gestation periods and go through all the challenges that come with it. Hence, when categorizing mammals, armadillos are recognized as the only mammals with shells.

Armadillos are unique animals that never cease to amaze anyone who researches them. They have always been recognized as unique animals and have even been symbols of victory and resilience over the years.