Armadillos are New World placental mammals with a leathery armor shell. The Dasypodidae are the only surviving family in the order Cingulata, part of the superorder Xenarthra, along with the anteaters and sloths. The word armadillo in Spanish means "little armored one". The Aztec called them azotochtli, Nahuatl for “turtle-rabbit”.
There are approximately ten extant genera and around 20 extant species of armadillo, some of which are distinguished...
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Armadillos are New World placental mammals with a leathery armor shell. The Dasypodidae are the only surviving family in the order Cingulata, part of the superorder Xenarthra, along with the anteaters and sloths. The word armadillo in Spanish means "little armored one". The Aztec called them azotochtli, Nahuatl for “turtle-rabbit”.
There are approximately ten extant genera and around 20 extant species of armadillo, some of which are distinguished by the number of bands on their armor. Their average length is about 75 centimetres (30 in), including tail; the giant armadillo grows up to 150 centimetres (59 in) and weighs up to 59 kilograms (130 lb), while the pink fairy armadillos are diminutive species with an overall length of 12 to 15 centimetres (5 to 6 in). All species are native to the Americas, where they inhabit a variety of environments.
Armadillos species are primarily found in South and Central America, particularly in Paraguay and surrounding areas. Many species are...
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