# Hairy Long-Nosed Armadillo (*dasypus pilosus*) The Hairy Long-Nosed Armadillo has a special long nose that helps it dig for tasty insects in the ground. With its furry coat and unique look, it's a fun creature to learn about! - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** They live in grasslands and forests in South America. - **Also known as:** Hairy Armadillo, Long-Nosed Armadillo, Pilosus Armadillo ![Hairy Long-Nosed Armadillo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Dasypus_pilosus2.png&width=800) Photo: Hermann Burmeister (1807-1892), Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dasypus_pilosus2.png) ## Appearance The Hairy Long-Nosed Armadillo has a dark brown to blackish shell, covered in thick, bristly hair, especially on its underside. Its most distinctive feature is its long, pig-like snout, making it look quite different from other armadillo species. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Cingulata - **Family:** Dasypodidae - **Genus:** Dasypus ## Interesting facts - Its long snout is perfect for vacuuming up ants and termites! - They often give birth to identical quadruplets from a single egg! - This armadillo walks on the tips of its claws, not its whole foot! - Wow! This armadillo can hold its breath for up to six minutes! ## Special abilities - **Burrow Builder:** Hairy Long-Nosed Armadillo can dig incredible burrows using its strong claws that help them find food and stay safe. - **Armor & Hair Coat:** Hairy Long-Nosed Armadillo has a unique hairy shell that helps them stay warm and protects them from predators. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 30-45 cm - **Weight:** 2-5 kg - **Lifespan:** 8-12 years - **Speed:** 15 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-4 - **Gestation:** 120-150 days ## Diet & Feeding This furry friend loves to slurp up ants and termites using its long, sticky tongue! - **Primary Foods:** Ants, Termites, Beetle Larvae, Earthworms - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Jaguar](https://www.snappit.app/explore/jaguar) (*Panthera onca*) — Major predator in its South American range. - **Eaten by:** Puma (*Puma concolor*) — Hunts armadillos and other small mammals. - **Eats:** Leaf-cutter Ant (*Atta cephalotes*) — A primary food source for this armadillo. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [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. - [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 No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Hairy Long-Nosed 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 Hairy Long-Nosed Armadillo? 30-45 cm ### How much does Hairy Long-Nosed Armadillo weigh? 2-5 kg ### How long does Hairy Long-Nosed Armadillo live? 8-12 years ### How fast can Hairy Long-Nosed Armadillo move? 15 km/h ### What does Hairy Long-Nosed Armadillo eat? This furry friend loves to slurp up ants and termites using its long, sticky tongue! ### Where is Hairy Long-Nosed Armadillo usually found? They live in grasslands and forests in South America. ### How does Hairy Long-Nosed Armadillo hunt? Foraging ## 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: [Hairy Long-Nosed Armadillo: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/hairy-long-nosed-armadillo)