Armadillos are the same age as dinosaurs, animals that have incredibly interesting habits and characteristics, which obviously allowed them to live up to our days.
Armadillos live only in America: one species – in the North, the rest – in South America. They live only in warm areas, because they are absolutely not adapted for living in a cold climate – their body temperature does not exceed 32 ° С.
Different types of armadillos are very different in size. The largest battleship – a giant – in length reaches 1.5 m and weighs about 60 kg.
The smallest armadillos (small mole and pink battleship) in length reach 13 cm, and their weight does not exceed 100 g.
From the name it is clear that these animals, like armor, are covered with armor. Even on their heads they have a “helmet with visor”, leaving only the tip of the nose and round eyes open. But the abdomen of armadillos is covered with hair and is not protected by a shell.
Three-legged armadillos have three transverse “hoops” on their armor, while nine-footed ones have nine.
It is clear that the armor is given to these animals for protection. In order to protect the tender abdomen, the tripartite armadillo folds into a ball that even a large predator, such as a jaguar, can hardly deploy.
Other armadillos are saved by the speed of the reaction – animals very quickly begin to dig in from the ground, in which they are helped by a strong constitution, powerful short legs and long claws.
Even the giant battleship hides in the same way, although his armor is extremely strong, and not every predator decides to attack a 1.5-meter giant. This large animal can even “dig” asphalt! The most good digger is a bristly battleship, the shell of which is covered with rare hard hair.
Three-legged armadillos are often called “hoofed”, as the toes on their hind legs are fused and resemble hooves.
And in the nine-belt armadillo, only “four-quarters” of the same sex are born.
In the event of danger, the females of all armadillos can delay the delivery and wait for the moment safe for the offspring.
All armadillos have very poor eyesight, but excellent hearing and sense of smell.
Armadillos are the same age as dinosaurs, animals that have incredibly interesting habits and characteristics, which obviously allowed them to live up to our days.
