# Armadillo (*Dasypus novemcinctus*) Armadillos are small, friendly mammals with a hard shell. They like to dig in the ground and can curl up into a ball to protect themselves. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Also known as:** Nine-banded Armadillo, Southern Armadillo ![Armadillo](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424252/objects/4525.jpg) ## Appearance The Armadillo has a distinctive bony, segmented shell that covers its back, head, and tail, appearing gray-brown. Its long, pointed snout and small eyes are visually unique, making it look like a prehistoric mammal. Its body is relatively hairless, except for some sparse fur on its belly. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Cingulata - **Family:** Dasypodidae - **Genus:** Dasypus ## Interesting facts - Armadillos can dig a new burrow for shelter in just minutes! - Armadillos spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping in their burrows! - Their name means 'little armored one' in Spanish! - They always give birth to four identical babies at once! ## Special abilities - **Armored Defender:** Armadillo has a tough, bony shell that helps them stay safe from many predators. - **Super Digger:** Armadillo can dig burrows and unearth food quickly because of their strong claws and powerful legs. - **Underwater Walker:** Armadillo can hold their breath for several minutes, allowing them to walk across the bottom of streams. - **Startle Leap:** Armadillo can jump surprisingly high and straight up when startled, helping them avoid danger. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 38-58 cm - **Weight:** 2.5-6.5 kg - **Lifespan:** 7-15 years - **Speed:** 48 km/h - **Litter Size:** 4 - **Gestation:** 120 days ## Diet & Feeding Armadillos love to dig for tasty insects, grubs, and worms deep in the soil! - **Primary Foods:** Beetles, Ants, Termites, Grubs, Worms, Fungi - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Coyote](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coyote) (*Canis latrans*) — Hunts armadillos in their natural habitat. - **Eaten by:** Puma (*Puma concolor*) — Preys on armadillos for sustenance. - **Eats:** [Red imported fire ant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-imported-fire-ant) (*Solenopsis invicta*) — Digs up and consumes these ants as a food source. - **Shelter:** [Burrowing Owl](https://www.snappit.app/explore/burrowing-owl) (*Athene cunicularia*) — Utilizes abandoned armadillo burrows for nesting and refuge. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Armored](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/armored): Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Armadillos are not dangerous to people. Always watch animals from a distance and be gentle. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Armadillo? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Armadillo? 38-58 cm ### How much does Armadillo weigh? 2.5-6.5 kg ### How long does Armadillo live? 7-15 years ### How fast can Armadillo move? 48 km/h ### What does Armadillo eat? Armadillos love to dig for tasty insects, grubs, and worms deep in the soil! ### How does Armadillo hunt? Foraging ### How many babies does Armadillo usually have? 4 ## Where to spot - [Busch Gardens Williamsburg](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/busch-gardens-williamsburg) — Virginia, US · Zoo ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Armadillo: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/armadillo)