Armadillo facts
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Armadillos are fascinating creatures that are native to the Americas. They received their name from the Spanish word “armadillo,” which means “little armored one.” These unusual mammals are known for their unique physical features, such as their hard shell, long snouts, and sharp claws. In this article, we will take a closer look at some interesting armadillo facts.
- Armadillos are the only mammals that have a hard, bony shell that covers their head, body, and tail. This shell is made up of numerous bony plates that are attached to flexible bands, allowing the armadillo to move around easily.
- There are 20 different species of armadillos, ranging in size from the size of a small rabbit to the size of a large dog. The giant armadillo, which can grow up to four feet long and weigh over 100 pounds, is the largest species.
- Armadillos are mainly nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night. They have poor eyesight, so they rely heavily on their sense of smell to hunt for food.
- When threatened by a predator, armadillos will curl up into a tight ball, using their shell to protect themselves. This behavior has earned them the nickname “Texas speedbumps.”
- The armadillo’s strong sense of smell is often used to locate their favorite food, which includes insects, worms, and small reptiles. They have been known to eat up to 40,000 insects in a single day.
- Armadillos have a unique digestive system that allows them to break down tough insects and plants. They have a muscular stomach called a gizzard, which helps grind up their food.
- Baby armadillos, called pups, are born with soft shells that harden within a few weeks. They are typically born in litters of 4 to 6 pups, and stay with their mother for several months before becoming independent.
- Armadillos have been used in medicine for centuries. Their shell has been used to create medicine to treat a variety of illnesses, including leprosy, syphilis, and asthma.
- Armadillos are found throughout North and South America, and are particularly common in the southern United States. In fact, they are the official state mammal of Texas.
- Armadillos may be fascinating, but they can also be pests. They are known to dig burrows in yards and gardens, and can cause damage to homes and other structures. As a result, many people consider armadillos to be a nuisance.
In conclusion, armadillos are truly one-of-a-kind mammals with some amazing features and behaviors. Despite their reputation as pests, they are fascinating creatures that deserve our respect and admiration.