Armadillos (Spanish for 'little armored ones') are New World placental mammals in the order Cingulata. They form part of the superorder Xenarthra, along with the anteaters and sloths. 21 extant species of armadillo have been described, some of which are distinguished by the number of bands on their armor.

Armadillos are leathery little animals that live in North, Central, and South America. Though they seem scaled, like a reptile, armadillos are actually mammals. They are warm-blooded, have hair, give live birth, and nurse their babies with milk. Their name comes from their thick leathery skin, and means “little armored one” in Spanish.

Nov 13, 2019 · Armadillos are among the most distinctive-looking of all mammals. They look a bit like a cross between a polecat and an armored dinosaur. While armadillos are common sights in certain parts of North, Central, and South America, they remain objects of intense curiosity—and for good reason.

Armadillos are known for their armored bodies and their ability to curl up into tight balls to defend themselves from predators. They are fast diggers with pointy snouts and long tongues that allow them to search for insects underground. Their bellies are the most vulnerable part of their bodies.

Feb 8, 2025 · armadillo, (family Dasypodidae), any of various armoured mammals found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. Most of the 20 species inhabit open areas, such as grasslands, but some also live in forests.

Approximately 20 species of armadillo exist, but the nine-banded is the only one found in the United States. The term “armadillo” means “little armored one” in Spanish, and refers to the presence of bony, armor-like plates covering their body.

Nov 15, 2024 · Armadillos, meaning ‘little armored ones’ in Spanish, are placental mammals native to the Americas and of the order Cingulata, which falls under the superorder Xenarthra, comprising anteaters and sloths. They are characterized by a hard, bony shell covering their bodies, pointed snouts, short limbs, and sharp claws.

Oct 6, 2015 · Armadillos are barrel-shaped animals covered with natural armor. In fact, its name in Spanish means “little armored one.” The armadillo’s armor works well against most predators, but...

Armadillos are the only living mammals that wear such shells. Closely related to anteaters and sloths, armadillos generally have a pointy or shovel-shaped snout and small eyes. They vary widely...

Sep 13, 2024 · Armadillos are fascinating creatures known for their distinctive armor-like shells. These mammals belong to the order Cingulata and are native to the Americas. Despite their tough exterior, armadillos have a surprisingly diverse array of characteristics and behaviors.