Armadillos are any of several small placental mammals of the family Dasypodidae, mostly known for having a bony armor shell. Their average size is about 75 centimeters (30 inches), including tail. All species are native to the American continents, where they inhabit a variety of environments. In the United States, the sole resident armadillo is the 9-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), which is most common in the central southern states. The nine-banded form can not roll itself into a ball. They mainly run away or burrow from predators.
They are prolific diggers, and many species use their sharp claws to dig for food such as grubs and/or to dig dens. The 9-banded armadillo prefers to build burrows in moist soil near the creeks, streams, and arroyos near which it generally lives and feeds. The diet of armadillo species varies, but consists mainly of insects, grubs, and other invertebrates. Some species, however, are almost entirely termite/ant specialists.
The armor is formed by plates of dermal bone covered in small, overlapping , epidermal scales called "scutes". This armor-like skin would appear to be the main defense of many armadillos, though, in fact, most flee predators by running and/or digging rather than relying on their armor.
Armadillos are often used in the study of leprosy, since they, along with mice, are the only known non-human animal species that can contract the disease systemically. They are particularly susceptible due to their unusually low body temperature, which is hospitable to the leprosy bacterium.
Armadillos can be kept as pets, although they require moist ground in which to dig and catch insects. They are difficult to domesticate fully.
Armadillos are any of several small placental mammals of the family Dasypodidae, mostly known for having a bony armor shell. Their average size is about 75 centimeters (30 inches), including tail. All species are native to the American continents, where they inhabit a variety of environments. In the United States, the sole resident armadillo is the 9-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), which is most common in the central southern states. The nine-banded form can not roll itself into a ball. They mainly run away or burrow from predators.
