They are known for their ability to eating fire ants. Southernmost armadillo species include the pichi (Zaedyus pichiy), a common resident of Argentine Patagonia, and the larger hairy armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus), which ranges far into southern Chile. Their name comes from their thick leathery skin, and means “little armored one” in Spanish. Weasels. They can burrow to escape temporary hard cold spells. We know what do armadillos eat and they are nocturnal in the southern regions. Armadillos’ size ranges from 6 inches to 5 feet only. They prefer to dig in areas with loose, porous soil, rich in insects and invertebrates. Though they seem scaled, like a reptile, armadillos are actually mammals. However, some species of armadillos have been known to travel in small groups, usually up to three armadillos. Because of this, zoos provide these creatures with plenty of digging opportunities, and even artificial tunnels. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. When the pups are born, their shell is soft and gray and feels like leather. Other species live in open grasslands, or lowland forests. return slideWidth; They live alone, and those that burrow do not share their homes with other armadillos unless they have unweaned young. Some species have highly specialized diets, and eat only a few different types of foods, while others feed on a wide variety of insects and small creatures. Some species, like the nine-banded armadillo, have very large ranges. eight months after mating . The nocturnal armadillo ventures out of its underground home to hunt for food in the early evenings after dusk. Please select which sections you would like to print: Corrections? Armadillos spend the daylight hours in burrows that can be 6 metres (20 feet) long, extend 1.5 metres (5 feet) under the ground, and have up to 12 entrances. they are solitary and do not share their burrows with other adults. If this does not scare off the predator, then the armadillo can also use its shell as protection. Afterward, it takes them hours to release the excess air. I have gotten lots of mail from people asking me what they can do to get armadillos to leave their gardens and lawns alone! Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Therefore, when are the young of the nine-banded armadillo born? This mammal belongs to the cingulate family, is really old. Where giant armadillos live? They find most of their prey either under the ground, or in the leaf litter. Infographic : Where Do Armadillos Live (HunterHunts.com) Where Do Armadillos Live (HunterHunts.com) By sabkapapa Information graphics, visual representations of data known as infographics, keep the web going these days. If this does not result in release, the captive armadillo begins kicking vigorously. If captured, it reacts by “playing dead,” either stiffening or relaxing but in either case remaining perfectly still. Remarkable in every way, the armadillo is the only mammal with a shell. Digging: Armadillos are prolific diggers that excavate land for food and dig profound burrows for shelter. They are wild animals, and in many places it is illegal to own one as a pet. Armadillos are leathery little animals that live in North, Central, and South America. Humans have killed off most of their natural predators, and roadways have offered them easier means of travel to new habitats. Unfortunately for armadillos, human interaction is usually a bad thing. Armadillos live alone except for when the female has young. Armadillos are really unique animals. Of course, such an odd-looking animal has to be equally as interesting! Armadillo meat is eaten in various parts of South America. Armadillos also may run away, burrow, or claw at attackers. The armadillo will stand motionless to see if the predator will ignore them. long, and weighs less than a pound! Armadillos are not alone in carrying diseases dangerous to humans: in addition to birds and pigs that carry flu, many of the chipmunks and rabbits in the western U.S. have fleas that carry bubinic Plague. Affection for the near-sighted rooter has reached the faddish level as decals, games, puzzles, candles, stuffed toys, figurines, jewelry, T-shirts, and other items are decorated with or shaped to resemble armadillos. Armadillos live in temperate and warm habitats, including rain forests, grasslands, and semi-deserts. Connection:I probably wouldn't like to touch one because they look gross. 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