Where does Armadillo live? The armadillo is an animal where the mainland lives. Lifestyle, social behavior

The armadillo is one of the most ancient and unusual animals on the planet. In their homeland, representatives of this family are called amadillas or "pocket dinosaurs". It is believed that the first armadillos appeared on Earth 55 million years ago. Unlike many other representatives of the fauna, these animals managed to survive for such a long time mainly due to the presence of a shell. The largest member of this family is Priodontes maximus, a giant armadillo.

Habitat

In the wild, this type of armadillo lives only in South America. You can meet these unusual spectacular "mini-dinosaurs" from Venezuela in the south to Paraguay in the north. The giant armadillo is an animal whose habitat is thus quite extensive. Amadillas live in this area mainly only in wooded areas. The territorial area of ​​one animal is usually 1-3 km2. Such armadillos lead a solitary lifestyle.

Description of the animal

The appearance of giant armadillos is actually impressive. The body length of an adult can reach 75-100 cm. The weight of the animal often exceeds 30 kg. That is, in size, Priodontes maximus resembles a 4-6-month-old piglet. In captivity, the weight of this species of armadillos can reach 60 kg.

The whole body - sides, tail, head, back - of this southern animal is covered with small horny shields interconnected by elastic tissue. Due to this, the armor of the amadilla is characterized by mobility. The color of the shell of a giant armadillo is dark brown. In any case, the belly of Priodontes maximus is always lighter than the back.

The muzzle of a giant armadillo has a tubular shape. The teeth of the animal are directed backwards. There are large claws on the paws of the amadilla. The tongue of this armadillo, like that of most other members of the family, is long and sticky. With them, the animal easily "picks up" even the most nimble insects.

Animal diet

Despite its intimidating appearance, the giant armadillo is not a dangerous predator. It feeds in the wild mainly on termites, worms and various kinds of crawling and flying insects. The sharp long claws of Priodontes maximus are necessary not for attack, but for destroying anthills and digging holes.

An interesting feature of the giant armadillo is that, despite its massiveness, this beast can easily stand on its hind legs. If necessary, therefore, Priodontes maximus freely reaches the top of the largest termite mound.

How they breed

With relatives Priodontes maximus meet only when they want to have offspring. Puberty in these animals occurs at the age of about a year. Pregnancy in females of the giant armadillo does not last too long - about 4 months. There are usually one or two cubs in a litter. Only the mother takes part in their upbringing. The female feeds the cubs with milk for about six months. Then the kids begin an independent life.

economic value

In most parts of South America, the amadilla is not loved and is considered a pest of the fields. The habitat of the giant armadillo is extensive, and it rarely “intersects” with people. However, sometimes these animals do raid crops. They, of course, do not eat plants, but arrange "pogroms", tearing the ground in search of insects. Also, amadillas, roaming the field, crush the landings, sometimes causing significant damage.

The "pocket dinosaur" has no special economic value. The Indians never eat armadillo meat, for example (because of its pronounced musky flavor). But some Europeans consider this product quite tasty and reminiscent of pork. Therefore, armadillos are not only exterminated by farmers, but also caught by lovers of delicacies. This animal does not belong to endangered species. However, even today it is considered rare.

Extinct giant armadillos

Priodontes maximus - today, as already mentioned, the largest representative of the family. However, in prehistoric times, of course, much more “overall” armadillos also lived on Earth. For example, in the south of North America (10-11 thousand years ago), glyptodons and doedicuruses lived relatively recently, outwardly very similar to the modern Priodontes maximus, but having a much larger size. Their remains are often found by archaeologists. The body length of these monsters could reach 3-4 meters.

The armadillo is one of the oldest and strangest mammals. Because of the tough armor-like shell, zoologists previously considered these animals to be related to turtles. Modern taxonomists place them in the order Xenartbra along with anteaters and sloths.

Where do armadillos live?

Armadillos live in Central and South America to the Strait of Magellan, in eastern Mexico, in Florida, in Georgia and South Carolina west to Kansas, on the islands of Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada, Margarita. Different species inhabit different natural zones: savannas, arid deserts, deciduous and rain forests, etc. For example, the pygmy armadillo Kapplera is found only in the rainforests of the Orinoco and the Amazon basin; the hairy armadillo is known for the highlands of Peru at altitudes of 2400-3200 meters; the dwarf has found shelter in the Patagonian region of Argentina everywhere south to the Strait of Magellan.

Most of the fossil forms are found in South America, this is where this group comes from. Gradually, when the land bridge connected both continents, the armadillos colonized North America (here, the fossilized remains of glyptodonts are found as far as Nebraska). These fossil forms died out without descendants in North America. However, at the end of the 19th century, the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) quickly settled in much of the southern United States and lives there to this day. In Florida in the 1920s, several of these animals escaped from zoos and private owners and established wild populations that gradually moved north and west.

Types, descriptions and photos of armadillos

These animals cannot be called lightweight, but compared to some of their primitive relatives, modern individuals are simply dwarfs.

In total, today there are about 20 types of armadillos. The largest is the giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus). The length of its body can reach 1.5 meters, the animal weighs 30-65 kg, while the extinct hyplodonts reached the size of a rhinoceros and weighed 800 kg or more. Some of the extinct forms were so large that the ancient Indians of South America used their shells as roofs.

Giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus)

The smallest is the frilled (pink) armadillo (Chlamyphorus truncatus). The length of his body is no more than 16 cm, and he weighs 80-100 grams.

Frilled armadillo (Chlamyphorus truncatus)

The most common and most studied species is the nine-banded armadillo (photo below).

Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)

In the appearance of our heroes, the most remarkable is the strong shell that covers the upper part of the body. It protects armadillos from predators and reduces damage from thorny vegetation through which the animals must regularly wade. The shell develops from skin ossifications and consists of thick bony plates or scutes, covered on the outside with keratinized epidermis. Wide and rigid shields cover the shoulders and hips, and in the middle of the back there are a different number of belts (from 3 to 13), connected by a flexible leathery layer between them. Some species have white to dark brown hairs between the scutes.

The top of the head, tail and outer surfaces of the limbs are usually also protected (only in the genus Cabassous the tail is not covered with scutes). The bottom of the body remains unprotected in animals - it is covered only with soft wool. At the slightest danger, three-banded armadillos curl up into a ball like hedgehogs, leaving only hard plates on the head and tail accessible. Other species retract their paws under the femoral and shoulder shields and press firmly to the ground. Even the largest predators fail to get the animal out from under the powerful armor.

In the photo, a three-banded armadillo curled up into a ball.

Three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus)

The color of the shell most often varies from yellowish to dark brown; in some species, the carapace is pale pink.

Powerful fore and hind limbs with large sharp claws help them dig. There are 5 clawed fingers on the hind limbs, and on the forelimbs their number varies from 3 to 5 in different species. The giant and naked-tailed armadillos have greatly enlarged front claws, which helps them open anthills and termite mounds.

The Central American armadillo (photo below) has 5 curved claws on its front legs, the middle one is especially powerful. His gait is quite unusual - he puts his hind legs on his heels (stoicism), and rests on his claws with his front legs (fingering).

Central American armadillo (Cabassous centralis)

Armadillos have poor eyesight. To detect prey and predators, they use a developed hearing and sense of smell. Smells also help them recognize relatives, and during the breeding season inform about the reproductive status of the opposite sex. A distinctive anatomical feature of males - the penis - is one of the longest among mammals (in some species it reaches 2/3 of the body length). For a long time, armadillos were considered the only mammals other than humans to mate facing each other, although now scientists have found out that this is not so: males climb females from behind, like most other mammals.

Armadillo lifestyle

It should be said that the way of life of most species of armadillos in nature has been poorly studied, and attempts to breed them for research in captivity have been unsuccessful. Only the nine-banded species, which was the object of long-term field research, is known to scientists to a sufficient extent.

Most species, with rare exceptions, are nocturnal. However, the nature of activity may change with age. So, young animals can be seen in the morning or around noon. In addition, in cold weather, armadillos are sometimes active during the day.

They usually live alone, rarely in pairs or small groups. They spend most of the day in their underground dens and only come out at night to eat.

Burrows are a sure sign of the presence of armadillos in the territory. On their site, they dig from 1 to 20 holes, each 1.5-3 meters long. Animals occupy the same lair from 1 to 30 days in a row. The burrows are usually shallow, run horizontally below the surface, and have 1 or 2 entrances.

The heavy shell does not prevent animals from swimming well. They take deep breaths to keep from going underwater.

Armadillos feed mainly on various insects. Ants and termites are especially fond of, which they dig up with their powerful forepaws with sharp claws. In search of food, the animals move slowly with their nose down, digging up dry foliage with their front paws.

Some species break stumps or termite mounds with powerful claws, then pick up the prey with a sticky, long tongue. In one sitting, individual individuals can eat up to 40 thousand ants.

The nine-banded armadillo is one of the few species that is not afraid to eat fire ants. Steadfastly enduring their painful bites, he digs up the nest and eats the larvae.

The bristly armadillo feeds on insects, rodents and lizards in the summer, and half switches to a plant-based diet in the winter.

In addition to insects, armadillos eat plant foods (persimmons and other fruits), as well as vertebrates - small lizards, snakes. Sometimes they diversify their diet with eggs of birds nesting on the ground.

procreation

The mating season for armadillos occurs mainly in the summer months. Mating is preceded by lengthy courtship and active pursuit of females by males.

Pregnancy lasts 60-65 days. The size of the broods is small: depending on the species, from one to four cubs are born. Most species breed only once a year, and 1/3 of the females in the population may not take part in reproduction at all. Babies are born sighted and with a soft shell that hardens over time. For a month they feed on mother's milk, then they begin to leave the hole and get used to adult food. Armadillos become sexually mature by one year.

Enemies

Although armadillos are well protected, they are still vulnerable to predators. This is especially true for young animals: the mortality of the younger generation is twice as high as that of adults. Basically, they are annoyed by coyotes, red lynxes, cougars, some birds of prey and even domestic dogs. The cubs are defenseless due to their small size and softer shell. And jaguars, alligators and black bears can handle even an adult animal.

conservation in nature

For many centuries, people have eaten armadillos. And today their meat is considered a delicacy in Latin America. In North America, dishes from the meat of these animals are not so popular today, but during the Great Depression of the 30s of the XX century, people called armadillos "Hoover's lambs" and stored their meat for future use. The defense strategy, effective against predators, made armadillos vulnerable to humans. The animal is not able to escape, but curled up into a ball, it becomes completely defenseless.

But the main reason for the decline in the number of armadillos is the destruction of their habitats due to deforestation. In addition, with their burrowing activities, they annoyed the farmers, because of which the latter exterminated them.

To date, 6 species are listed in the International Red Book as vulnerable or endangered; two species are listed as low-risk, and four have insufficient data.

There is no reliable information about the life expectancy of armadillos in nature, but it is probably 8-12 years. In captivity, their age is longer - up to 20 years.

In contact with

These are the only modern animals whose body is covered on top with a shell formed by skin ossification. The carapace consists of head, shoulder and pelvic shields and a number of hoop-shaped bands encircling the body from above and from the sides. Parts of the shell are interconnected by elastic connective tissue, which gives mobility to the entire shell. On top of the carapace lie thin horny square or polygonal plates formed by the epidermis. The same shields form armor on the limbs; the tail is covered with bone rings. The belly and the inner parts of the paws of the armadillo are soft, unprotected, covered with coarse hair. Hairs also grow between the bony plates; sometimes penetrate and horny scales. The color of the shell varies from brown to pink, hair - from grayish brown to white.

Armadillos have a squat, heavy build. Body length from 12.5 (frilled armadillos) to 100 cm (giant armadillo); weight from 90 g to 60 kg. The length of the tail is from 2.5 to 50 cm. The muzzle is short and triangular, or elongated. The eyes are rather small, with thick lids. The limbs are short, but strong, adapted to digging. The front paws are 3-5-toed with powerful, sharp, curved claws, the hind legs are 5-toed. The skull is flattened in the dorso-ventral direction. No family of mammals has such a variable number of teeth - from 28 to 40 (in a giant armadillo - up to 90). The number of teeth differs not only in different species, but also in different individuals. The teeth of armadillos are small, without enamel and roots, of the same cylindrical shape. Grow constantly. The tongue of many species is long and sticky, used to capture food. Armadillos have a well-developed sense of smell and hearing, but poor vision. They do not distinguish colors. The metabolism is reduced; body temperature depends on the external environment and can drop from 36 ° to 32 ° C. These animals do not tolerate negative temperatures, which limits their distribution to the poles.

Lifestyle and nutrition

Armadillos are nocturnal, hiding in burrows during the day. Most are solitary; couples and small groups are less common. Lead a terrestrial lifestyle; excellent at digging the ground, digging holes for themselves and digging up food. Can run pretty fast are able to swim. In case of danger, they flee, hiding in the bushes, or quickly burrow into the ground. Only three-banded armadillos ( Tolypeutes) are able to curl up into a ball, like a hedgehog. Armadillo airways are voluminous and serve as a reservoir of air, so these animals can hold their breath for 6 minutes. This helps them to move through the reservoirs (often armadillos simply cross them along the bottom). The air drawn into the lungs compensates for the weight of the heavy shell, allowing the armadillo to swim.

Most armadillos feed on insects, including ants and termites, their larvae and other invertebrates; may also eat carrion, small vertebrates and, occasionally, parts of plants.

reproduction

Armadillos along with bonobo chimpanzees and humans are mammals that mate in the "missionary position". Pregnancy is prolonged due to the delay in implantation of the egg after its fertilization (latent stage); it lasts from several weeks to many months. Nine-banded armadillo females are characterized by polyembryony - they give birth to several twins, developing from one egg and, as a result, of the same sex. In the litter of armadillos, there are from 2-4 to 12 cubs, sometimes only one. Newborn armadillos are sighted and covered with soft skin. A few hours after birth, they are able to walk. They stay with their mother for several months. Sexual maturity is reached at 2 years (females).

Systematics

Armadillos are an ancient group of mammals: their fossilized carapaces have been known since the end of the Paleocene. They apparently originated in South America, from where they penetrated into North America in the Pliocene. Now there are 20 types of armadillos, united in 8 genera:

• family armadillos (Dasypodidae)
  • Naked-tailed armadillos ( Cabassous)
    • Cabassous centralis
    • Cabassous chacoensis
    • Cabassous tattoo
    • Cabassous unicinctus
  • Bristly armadillos ( Chaetophractus)
    • Chaetophractus vellerosus
    • Chaetophractus villosus
    • Chaetophractus nationi
  • Frilled Armadillos ( Chlamyphorus)
    • Chlamyphorus retusa
    • Chlamyphorus truncatus
  • Nine-banded armadillos ( Dasypus)
    • Dasypus hybridus
    • Dasypus cappleri
    • Dasypus novemcinctus
    • Dasypus pilosus
    • Dasypus sabanicola
    • Dasypus septemcnictus
  • Six-banded armadillo ( Euphractus sexcinctus)
  • Giant armadillo ( Priodontes maximus)
  • Three-banded armadillos ( Tolypeutes)
    • Tolypeutes matacus
    • Tolypeutes tricinctus
  • Pygmy armadillo ( Zaedyus pichii)

Armadillos are objects of hunting. Their white meat, which tastes like pork, has been considered a delicacy among the peoples of Latin America since ancient times. Armadillo shells are used for souvenirs and musical instruments like the charango. Digging up the ground, they damage crops and tree plantations. However, these animals also bring a lot of benefits, destroying harmful insects and their larvae.

Often armadillos are hit by cars at night. At the same time, the nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus destroys the jump reflex. When frightened, this beast jumps almost vertically and hits the chassis of a moving car.

Nine-banded armadillos are of great interest to science in that they usually give birth to 4 identical twins. Due to their complete identity, a group of four armadillos is an excellent subject for medical, genetic, psychological and other studies that require a homogeneous composition of the test. In addition, armadillos are often used in the study of leprosy, since, along with mice, they are the only non-human mammals that are susceptible to the disease. Infection with it, apparently, is facilitated by the low body temperature of armadillos, which is favorable for Hansen's bacilli (Mycobacterium leprae).

Armadillos can be kept in captivity, although they are difficult to tame. In captivity, they breed poorly and rarely reach their maximum age; in natural conditions live up to ten years.

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See what "Battleship (animal)" is in other dictionaries:

See Armadil... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

ARMADIL or ARMADILLA animal mammal, in the south. America; the body is covered with a shield of horny plates. A complete dictionary of foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language. Popov M., 1907. ARMADILL OR BATTLESHIP 1) a warship sheathed ... ... Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary

THREE-FINGER, about three fingers, who has only three fingers, trembling (n) th, rattle, treperstock, weaving. He has one shabby hand. Treperous animal. Wrinkled. partridge, bird Tetrao paradoxa. Treperous addition, or trepersty, the rite of the cross ... ... Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary

Armadillos, like sloths, are representatives of the once vast family. Compared to some of their primitive cousins, they are only dwarfs. Glyptodon, or a giant armadillo, reached the size of a rhinoceros, others ... ... Animal life

Beasts (Mammalia), a class of vertebrates, the most famous group of animals, including more than 4600 species of the world fauna. It includes cats, dogs, cows, elephants, mice, whales, people, etc. In the course of evolution, mammals have carried out the widest ... ... Collier Encyclopedia

- (Spanish armadillo). 1) animal armadillo, called. another tattoo, in South America. 2) the name of the battleships of the battleships. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. ARMADILL OR BATTLESHIP 1) warship ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

Most Incredible Animals: Armadillo

armadillos - nocturnal animals, living mostly alone. Only a few species are known. They all live in Central and South America. These are one of the oldest inhabitants of the planet Earth, which have been preserved since the time of the dinosaurs. They roamed the planet about 55 million years ago, since then have significantly decreased in size and live only on the two American continents. Armadillos are also called armadillo, which in Spanish means “carrying harness”, “shell”.

Their body length is from 80 cm to 1.5 m, tail length - 30-40 cm, weight - more than 6 kg.The head has a long elongated muzzle, the ears are tubular, considered by some to be "pig" and placed relatively close together. The limbs are short. The body of armadillos is covered with flexible armor, formed by a bone shell, which consists of keratinized plates. The plates form strong main, pelvic and shoulder shields, as well as a number of belts. There are from 6 to 11 such belts on the back, interconnected by elastic connective tissue, which gives the shell mobility. The shell, resembling the armor of knights, reliably protects its owner from enemies, although the bottom of the abdomen is soft, overgrown with hair, and in case of danger, the animals hide their paws under themselves and cling to the surface of the earth.

The armadillo burrow is located at a depth of 50 cm to 3.5 m underground and consists of a labyrinth of corridors up to 7 m long. At least two of them end in a certain place with a nesting chamber, which at the end is covered with dry leaves and grass. The diet of armadillos is extremely diverse. They feed on insects, small vertebrates, bird eggs, mushrooms, roots and carrion. The nine-banded armadillo is the most common species of all armadillos. These animals feel good both in open spaces and in the jungles of South America. All armadillos are usually nocturnal animals.

Armadillos mark their sites with smells - secretions of glands located in different parts of the body. Frightened by something, armadillos first jump vertically high up, and then run away. It is this reflex that leads to the death of animals on the roads, because, frightened by a car, the animal does not so much fall under the wheels as bouncing, it crashes itself against the car or its bottom..jpg" alt="(!LANG:bronenocec (1)" width="800" height="534" />!}

They mate in the summer, the time depends on where they live. The armadillo usually gives birth to 4 same-sex twins. Babies suckle milk from their mothers like kittens or piglets. Their armor becomes strong after about six months, then small armadillos begin to lead an independent lifestyle. The female feeds the armadillos with milk for several weeks. If the female does not have the opportunity to feed her offspring, she can eat her babies in a state of stress. Local residents dislike armadillos because domestic animals (large and small cattle) break their legs, falling into the holes of these animals with their hooves. In addition, armadillos during the hunt for various beetle larvae and spoil the root system of plants, especially cereals. In this regard, some types of armadillos are already under protection, for example, the giant armadillo in Brazil. Although some people believe that it is by tearing the soil that animals loosen it and improve aeration, as well as destroy a significant number of pests.

It was found that one animal can eat up to 100 kg of insects per year. There is information that some US farmers specifically breed armadillos for biological balance, as a means of pest control. In the stomachs of armadillos, in addition to insects, spiders of tarantulas, scorpions, frogs and small snakes were also found. Some interesting things about armadillos - For the claws of armadillos, even asphalt is not a hindrance - sensing danger, they immediately dig up the upper hard layer of the road surface and quickly burrow under it. In addition, these animals are very susceptible to stress. - If the predator that pursued the armadillo managed to grab the victim by the tail at the last moment, it still fails to hold it, because the armadillo jams its limbs and firmly rests against the walls of the hole, which is impossible to pull the fugitive out of the shelter without the help of a shovel.

Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)- a small mammal, a member of the armadillo family (Dasypodidae), native to North, Central and South America.

Description

The armor consists of nine movable bone plates covered with keratinized skin (scales). This scale (osteoderm) provides a tough but flexible covering. Armor makes up about 16% of body weight and is divided into three main areas: pelvic, shoulder, and dorsal. The number of visible bands can vary from 8 to 11. Each band is separated by a thin epidermal layer and hairs. Osteoderm is constantly growing and wearing out, but never completely disappears. The average body length is 0.75 m. The average length of the tail is about 0.3 m, it is covered with 12 - 15 rings of scales (osteoderms).

The head is partially covered with keratinized scales, with the exception of the ears. They are protected by rough and bumpy skin. The soles also lack any signs of armor. The elongated muzzle has a pink tint and is shaped like a pig. The face, neck and belly are covered with a small amount of hair. Nine-banded armadillos have short paws: 4 fingers on the front and 5 on the back.

The total number of teeth ranges from 28 to 32. They are ordinary, small in size and cylindrical in shape. Teeth grow throughout the life of an armadillo. These mammals have long, sticky tongues that they use to catch insects.

The weight of males is 5.5 - 7.7 kg, and females - from 3.6 to 6.0 kg. The body temperature is low, within 30°-35°C. Given their mass, armadillos have a low basal metabolic rate of 384.4 kJ/day.

area

Nine-banded armadillos are found in South, Central, and North America, and have the largest range of living armadillos, from Argentina and Uruguay, through Central America, and into the southern United States.

Habitat

Nine-banded armadillos are most often found in forested and shrubby regions of tropical and temperate zones. Also found in grasslands and savannas around wooded areas. Armadillos prefer forests over grasslands as they forage in the forest floor. Mammals are not often found in arid regions; they choose coastal areas or areas with sufficient water, or minimum rainfall of 38 cm per year. They have also been found near wetlands, but they are not common.

Temperature is an important condition when choosing a habitat. Armadillos do not thrive in temperatures below 22°C, but warm burrows allow the animals to inhabit temperate areas.

The armadillo's habitat is not limited by the presence of humans, and they do not often inhabit areas with dense human populations.

In forests, meadows and bushes, armadillos live in underground burrows. They vary in size but can be up to 5 meters wide and 2 meters deep. Armadillos bring some herbs and leaves into their burrows, and often hide the entrance with plants. Females and males may be in the same burrow during the breeding season, but as a rule, burrows are only shared between a female with cubs or young siblings.

reproduction

Armadillos have been observed mating during the summer season. As a rule, they are solitary animals, so the closeness of a female and a male is unusual. It is believed that the male maintains this closeness to the female in order to lay claim to her and protect her from other males. In some cases, males fight for one female. It is likely that maintaining closeness allows the male to determine when the female is receptive to mating. Discharge from the anal glands may have a different odor during estrus.

Females have a large external clitoris, while males lack an external scrotum and testicles are internal. Most females go into heat once a year, usually in early summer. During conception, only one egg is fertilized. Blastocysts remain in the uterus for approximately 14 weeks before implantation. That is, when the blastocyst finally attaches to the uterine wall, it divides into 4 identical embryos. Each embryo develops in its own amniotic cavity. This embryonic process almost always results in the birth of four identical quadruplets.

Cubs are often born in early spring, after 4 months of pregnancy. Delayed implantation allows offspring to appear in the spring when it is warm and food is plentiful.

At birth, armadillos strongly resemble their parents, only smaller. The eyes open quickly, but their armor hardens only after a few weeks. Full development and sexual maturity is reached at the age of 3 or 4 years.

Lifespan

The life expectancy of armadillos ranges from 7 - 8 years to 20 or more. At least one nine-banded armadillo has reached the age of 23 in captivity. Juveniles have a higher mortality rate than adults.

Factors affecting lifespan include: climatic conditions, predation, and disease. Since this species does not have a significant amount of wool or blubber, it does not handle cold temperatures very well. A large adult male can survive no more than 10 days at 0°C. The larger the animal, the more likely it is to be able to survive at low temperatures. Other environmental conditions such as drought also affect the mortality of these mammals.

Predation and killing by humans, both targeted and accidental, are significant causes of mortality. Cubs are more likely to be killed by predators in the wild than adults due to their weak physical condition and softer armor.

Disease may be an important contributing factor to armadillo mortality. In one population, 30% of the adult population was found to have associated diseases, while 17% had antibodies, indicating a previous infection.

Nutrition

Over ninety percent of their diet (by volume) consists of animals. Adult beetles and larvae form the basis of their diet, but armadillos also feed on termites, bats, ants, grasshoppers, earthworms, and several other insects and terrestrial invertebrates.

Armadillos also feed on small reptiles and amphibians, especially during the winter when these animals are more lethargic. They sometimes eat mammalian babies or bird eggs. Less than ten percent of their diet consists of plant matter such as fruits, seeds, and mushrooms. Earth, twigs, tree bark, and other indigestible foods were found in their stomachs, but the ingestion of such substances was probably accidental. Armadillos occasionally eat carrion, but are more interested in the larvae that inhabit the corpses than in the meat itself.

Animals rely primarily on their sense of smell to find their food source and often visit shallow burrows in search of .

Behavior

Nine-banded armadillos are nocturnal or crepuscular animals. They do not hibernate, but in the northern part of their distribution, armadillos are more mobile during the summer.

They dig holes with their noses and limbs. Armadillos may have several burrows, including one for nesting and several smaller ones as food traps. These mammals use natural above-ground crevices as nests. Other than mating pairs or rearing offspring, armadillos generally do not share burrows. However, several adults have been recorded in cold weather.

Armadillos are rarely aggressive towards each other, although a pregnant or lactating mother can be quite hostile towards older offspring. During the mating season, older males sometimes display aggressive behavior towards younger ones. A frightened armadillo usually looks for a hole, and when it gets inside, it arches its back and spreads its paws so that it is difficult to reach it.

Economic value to humans: Positive

Armadillos, including nine-banded armadillos, play an important role in medical research because they harbor a number of protozoa, bacteria, and fungi that are responsible for human disease. They are important predators of various agricultural pests. In addition, they are caught for their meat and armor, which is used to make various trinkets.

Economic value to humans: Negative

Despite catching agricultural pests, armadillos can cause damage to farmers. They feed on several crops including peanuts, corn, and melons. Their burrows pose a threat to farm animals that may accidentally fall into them. In addition, burrows can weaken roadsides and dams. Armadillos are also carriers of various diseases.

conservation status

The population of nine-banded armadillos is of the least concern and is growing steadily. This is due to the high rate of reproduction and the increase in habitat.

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