Reproduction of the ArmadilloĪs with any animal, with such a large number of species, the gestation period and breeding habits vary. They find most of their prey either under the ground, or in the leaf litter. These creatures roam about in search of food, using their keen sense of smell. They live alone, and those that burrow do not share their homes with other armadillos unless they have unweaned young. There are many different species of armadillos, but they are all solitary creatures. Most armadillos are insectivores, and eat a pelleted insectivore diet, meal worms, grubs, and other insects. Because of this, zoos provide these creatures with plenty of digging opportunities, and even artificial tunnels.ĭiet also varies based upon the species at hand. For the most part, the vast majority of armadillos dig to search for food, and many also live in burrows underground. In zoos, armadillo care varies from species to species. They are wild animals, and in many places it is illegal to own one as a pet. Humans have not domesticated armadillos in any way. Humans threaten some species of armadillos with their activity, particularly those with small ranges and vulnerable populations. In different areas, habitat destruction also causes problems. Humans also kill them intentionally for digging and destroying lawns and gardens. As discussed previously, armadillos are very prone to run-ins with cars. Unfortunately for armadillos, human interaction is usually a bad thing. 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 other food sources include worms, frogs, lizards, eggs, and some carrion. Their diets consist primarily of ants, termites, grubs, and other insects. However, the vast majority of armadillos are insectivores. Diet of the ArmadilloĮach species of armadillo has a different diet, and for some species, animals in different areas rely on very different food sources. Many different species live in Central and South America, while only a handful live in North America. They live as far north as the middle of the United States, and as far south as the tip of South America. Other species, like the little pink fairy armadillo, live in a relatively small area. Some species, like the nine-banded armadillo, have very large ranges. Distribution of the ArmadilloĪ number of different armadillo species live in North, Central, and South America. Within their range, these creatures live in many different types of habitats. They also live in sand dunes, tropical rainforests, prairies, scrublands, and more. Other species live in open grasslands, or lowland forests. Some species live in areas with moist soil, close to rivers or streams. With such a wide variety of species, the habitat preference of armadillos is quite wide. During these jumps, they can reach heights of three or four feet! Sadly, this method is ineffective against cars, and armadillos are very commonly victims of unsuspecting drivers. Instead of simply fleeing, many armadillos leap straight up into the air. Spunky and Spooked – When frightened, armadillos have a rather odd coping method.They are 100% genetically identical to one another. These babies are identical quadruplets, and all originate from a single egg. Identical Infants – One species of armadillo, the nine-banded armadillo, gives birth to four babies at a time.The only species that is capable of this unique behavior is the three-banded armadillo. Ringed and Round – Despite the popular myth, most species of armadillos cannot roll themselves into a ball.Researchers estimate that the largest glyptodonts could weigh nearly 4,500 lbs.! These extinct creatures looked much like modern-day armadillos, only blown up several hundred sizes larger. Ancient Animals – Scientists believe that the extinct glyptodont was related to modern-day armadillos.Of course, such an odd-looking animal has to be equally as interesting! Armadillos are unique animals, with unique traits and behaviors. They have a thick leathery “shell” of skin, which protects them from predators. long, and weighs less than a pound! As a whole, armadillos usually have tank-like bodies, with short legs and sturdy builds. There are at least 21 different species of armadillo, each with its own unique appearance.
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