mammal · GBIF taxon 2440779
Nine-banded Armadillo
Dasypus novemcinctusAlso known as Nine-banded Long-nosed Armadillo, Common Armadillo
Nine-banded armadillos are solitary, nocturnal mammals easily recognized by their protective, bony armor plates and long, pointed snouts. They are remarkable diggers, using their powerful claws to excavate deep burrows for shelter and to unearth insects from the soil. When startled, they can leap straight up into the air or swim across water bodies by inflating their intestines for buoyancy.
NocturnalInsectivorousBurrowing
- diet
- Insects, spiders, earthworms, and small vertebrates
- family
- Dasypodidae
- threats
- Vehicle collisions, habitat fragmentation, and hunting
- life Span
- 8 to 15 years in the wild
LC
Can carry leprosy and scratch if handled; observe from a distance and do not touch.
- Listen closely: Listen for rustling leaves and soft grunting sounds as they forage in the underbrush.
- Keep your distance: Avoid handling them to prevent exposure to diseases like leprosy and to avoid sharp claws.
- Watch their burrows: Look for active, dome-shaped entrance holes in loose soil near tree roots.