Animal Profiles
Mammals

Armadillo

Cingulata

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Armadillos are American mammals with bony armour. The nine-banded armadillo group illustrates the digging and insect-feeding habits described in this account.

A nine-banded armadillo with banded body armour

A nine-banded armadillo; this name historically covered several species.

Aramburu Carlos · CC BY

At a glance

Location
The older source describes nine-banded armadillos across the Americas. A 2024 study split that group into four species, so its historic range is not assigned to one modern species.
Habitat
Grassland, Rainforest
Diet
Insectivore
Food
Beetles, ants and other small invertebrates dominate the diet.

Classification

Common name
Armadillo
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Cingulata
Source classification
Mammalia

Three things to know

  • Bony plates form its protective armour.
  • Claws help it dig sheltering burrows.
  • The number of visible bands can vary.

Habitat and range

The older source describes nine-banded armadillos across the Americas. A 2024 study split that group into four species, so its historic range is not assigned to one modern species.

Appearance and adaptations

Bands of flexible skin separate portions of the hard covering. A long snout and clawed forefeet help locate and uncover food.

Diet and behaviour

Beetles, ants and other small invertebrates dominate the diet. It forages in soil and leaf litter, often around dusk or at night. Burrows provide cover, and activity can change with temperature.

Sources

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