Nine-banded Armadillo
The Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is a species of armadillo native to the Americas. It is the most widespread of all armadillo species.
The Nine-banded Armadillo is known for its bony shell, which is made up of a series of plates and is connected by nine movable bands. When threatened, the armadillo can roll into a tight ball for protection.
The Nine-banded Armadillo is a nocturnal and solitary animal. It is an insectivore, using its long, sticky tongue to eat a variety of insects and worms.
Nine-banded Armadillo
Classification
Mammalia > Cingulata > Dasypodidae > Dasypus > D. novemcinctus
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
1.5 - 2 feet
(0.4 - 0.6 m)
Average Weight
8 - 17 lbs
(3.6 - 7.7 kg)
Average Life Span
12 - 15 years
Gestation Period
120 days
Did You Know?
The Nine-banded Armadillo is the only species of armadillo found in the United States.
They are excellent diggers and can hold their breath for up to six minutes, allowing them to cross shallow streams and ditches underwater.
Nine-banded Armadillos almost always give birth to four identical quadruplets.
They are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.
Their diet mainly consists of insects, grubs, and other invertebrates, which they sniff out and dig for.
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