15 Interesting Facts About Armadillos

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  1. Armadillos are present in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. There are more than 20 species of these mammals.
  2. The most prominent and distinguishing feature of armadillos is their leathery armor shell. This stiff skin material protects the mammal from predators. The number of bands on their shells assists in distinguishing different species of armadillo. (Source) 
  3. The giant armadillo has at least 74 teeth. These are the highest number of teeth for any land-based mammal. (Source)
  4. The giant armadillo has the longest claws among extant animals. This strange mammal also has the largest ratio of claws in the animal kingdom (both existing and extinct animals), with a 22% claw-to-body ratio. (Source)
  5. The shell of armadillos is the product of thousands of tiny bony plates, known as osteoderms. These shells are strong but very light and flexible, which doesn’t hinder the movement of this mammal. (Source) 
    A screaming hairy armadillo
    Armadillo shell is strong and flexible that can deflect a bullet

  6. The shell in armadillos is so strong that it can even deflect a bullet. Such incidents have been reported several times. (Source)
  7. Along with humans, armadillos are the only animals that carry leprosy. The presence of leprosy in armadillo is due to its low body temperature, which is perfect for the growth of leprosy bacteria. (Source)
  8. The presence and growth of leprosy in armadillos have proved advantageous for treating this disease in humans. These are the only animals that suffer from this disease, and experiments on them provide valuable vaccines for leprosy treatment.
  9. According to a study, more than 60% of nine-banded armadillos in the Amazon carry leprosy-causing bacteria. This disease is transmissible to humans if they consume the meat of these infected armadillos. (Source)
  10. Armadillos have low body temperature (33 to 36 Celsius) and also low metabolic rate (40 to 60% of the BMR) compared to other mammals of equivalent mass.
  11. The reproductive system in armadillos is also unique. The female gives birth to four babies at a time. A female can give birth to 56 armadillos (in the group of 4) in her lifetime. (Source)
  12. Peru is the country with the most diversity of armadillos. There are 9 species of armadillos present in Peru.
  13. Armadillos can be as large as 150 cm in length and 54 kg in weight (giant armadillo). On the other hand, they can be as small as just 15 cm in length (pink fairy armadillo).
  14. The three-banded armadillo is the only species of armadillo that can roll like a ball when in danger. In this way, they shield their unprotected body parts. (Source)
  15. Armadillos can swim and remain underwater for several minutes. They can hold their breath underwater for 6 to 8 minutes. They can also walk at the bottom of a pond.

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