The number of bands varies from species to species. Most species have rigid shields over the shoulders and hips, with a number of bands separated by flexible skin covering the back and flanks. These scales are made from keratin, a protein also found in hair and nails.Įvidence suggests that this keratin is actually just modified skin that evolved for defensive protection. Their armor is formed by plates of dermal bone that are covered in overlapping scales known as scutes. They are usually grey or brown in color, but can also be pink, red or yellow, too. ![]() They look a bit like armored opossums (although they are unrelated) and have pointed snouts, short yet strong legs, a long tail, sharp claws, and big ears. Giant armadillos also have up to 100 teeth and six-inch claws. The smallest species of armadillo is the pink fairy, and the largest species is the giant armadillo. With 21 different species, they come in all shapes and sizes! Different species can range in weight from 4kg – 30kg (9lbs – 66lbs) and lengths of 36cm – 75cm (14in – 30in). The name ‘armadillo’ means “little armored one” in Spanish, and there’s a lot to learn about these creatures. It is also distantly related to the anteater and sloth. Only one genus of Dasypodidae remains, though it contains the widespread nine-banded armadillo. ![]() Of the two families, Chlamyphoridae is the most populated. There are two main families of armadillos: Dasypodidae and Chlamyphoridae, with subfamilies of each. There are nine extinct types, and 21 extant species, all native to the Americas. The armadillo is the only mammal to have a full developed shell, and types of armadillos can be distinguished from each other by the number of rings on their shell. The scientific name for Armadillo is Dasypodidae. With a natural defense system in place, the armadillo has been able to thrive for millions of years and can be found in the western hemisphere, in North, South and Central America. ![]() They can also be considered a pest species as their digging for insects can damage crops and disrupt farmers’ livelihoods.Armadillos are mammals of the order Cingulata and family Dasypodidae, and are best known for having their very own protective, hard shell armor. Their meat is a valuable food source in their native range, and their shells are used to make musical instruments. Major threats to this species include hunting, habitat fragmentation and illegal trade. These armadillos can produce highly concentrated urine, which allows them to conserve water and go long periods of time without drinking. They also receive a variety of bugs, like waxworms and earthworms, in addition to some fruit. At Zoo Atlanta they receive a nutritionally balanced diet of commercially produced insectivore chow. In the wild, these insectivores primarily feed on beetles, along with some ripe fruits and vegetation. Sand is a common home for this species since it is easy for the armadillos to dig burrows. This species thrives in desert, grassland, scrubland and savanna habitats. Screaming hairy armadillos are native to Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, and possibly Peru. This animal ambassador lives behind the scenes at the Wieland Wildlife Home, but you could meet one at one of our evening events, at a pop-up animal encounter during your Zoo visit, or if you register for one of our education programs. Despite this slow early development, the young are weaned at around 2 months of age and are sexually mature at 9 months old. The young weigh only around 5 ounces (about the weight of a quarter), and their eyes will remain closed until around 16 to 30 days after birth. ![]() Females usually give birth during fall months to two young, often consisting of a male and a female. The gestation period is about 60 to 75 days. They are solitary animals, coming together only to breed. During warm seasons, they are active during afternoon and night. Like human fingerprints, the pattern of armor plates on the head is unique to each individual.ĭuring cold seasons, screaming hairy armadillos are active around Noon and during early afternoon. The screaming hairy armadillo has a short, thick tail and elongated head, both of which are covered in armor. The carapace of this species has about 18 bands, between six to nine of which are movable and allow them to curl up slightly but not completely. The screaming hairy armadillo’s white and brown hairs sprout out of the carapace between scutes (the individual bony plate scales that overlap to make up the carapace). Screaming hairy armadillos typically weigh less than 2 pounds and reach lengths of 12 to 22 inches including the tail. It is the smallest of three hairy armadillo species, a group that has more hair than most other armadillo species. The screaming hairy armadillo is named for the loud-pitched squeal it lets out when threatened.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |