but have been found as far north as Illinois and Nebraska. These unique abilities to cross the water have contributed to the armadillo’s wide population distribution across the United States nine-banded armadillos primarily reside in the Southeastern U.S. They’re also known to walk directly across the bottom of rivers and lakes. In order to keep their heavy shells from sinking, armadillos will inflate their stomachs to twice their normal size to stay afloat. Focus questions: What does your expert group animal look like What is its habitat What are its predators How does it use its body and behaviors to help it. While they may not look like it, our regional armadillos are fantastic swimmers! However, their methods are unusual, to say the least. Despite this, the nine-banded armadillo population is considered stable and classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Most nine-banders are killed by humans, either on purpose for their meat or accidentally by cars. Coyotes, wolves, bobcats, alligators and even large birds of prey are known to attack armadillos. Nine-banded armadillos weigh from 2.5 to 6.5 kg and are one of the largest. Armadillos also eat small amphibians, reptiles, bird eggs, and baby mammals. They will also eat fruits, seeds, and occasionally carrion.īecause of their small size and poor eyesight, nine-banded armadillos fall victim to both larger animals and humans. Nine-banded armadillos are omnivores but eat grubs, beetles, ants, termites, worms, and other insects. The most common species of armadillos are Dasypus novemcictus (nine-banded armadillos), seven-banded armadillos, fairy armadillos, and beautiful armadillos. What do they eat?Īrmadillos are primarily insectivores and use their keen sense of smell to track invertebrates such as beetles, fire ants, snails, spiders, white grubs, cockroaches and more. How to get rid of armadillos (Humanely) Explore this solution Armadillo Description Appearance Armadillos are animals belonging to the family Dasypodidae and have 9 genera and 21 species. were probably very effective in protecting the slow armadillo from predators. They have a long snout they use to root through the soil and powerful claws to dig up dinner. The beautiful armadillo (scientific name Dasypus bellus) was a larger. The most distinctive feature of an armadillo is the bony, armor-like plates that offer protection from predators. Roughly the size of a small dog, averaging 2.5 feet long and 12 pounds, they don’t have any fur on their brown body save for some hairs under their head and belly. These little guys are distinguished by the presence of seven to eleven “bands” across the middle of their armor. Here in Texas, only one species of armadillo can be found: the nine-banded armadillo. When surprised, nine-banded armadillos tend to leap straight into the air, up to 5 feet!.Of the 21 species of armadillo, only the three-banded armadillo can accomplish that feat. Contrary to popular belief, nine-banded armadillos are unable to roll their shell into a ball.Nine-banded armadillos almost always give birth to four identical quadruplets.The name armadillo means “little armored one” in Spanish.
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