Living Metal Shells: All About Armadillos
Armadillos are unique animals that are found in the Americas and parts of Asia. While they look like overgrown rodents, they actually belong to their own distinct family of mammals known as Xenarthra. With armored shells, these odd-looking animals have captivated scientists for many years.
Features of Armadillos
Armadillos are medium-sized mammals, ranging from tiny at eight inches to the largest species, the Chlamyphorus truncatus, which can measure up to two feet in length. Most species of armadillo weigh between three and thirteen pounds. Another defining feature of armadillos is the armor that covers their back, made from a combination of sharp scales called scutes, and tough skin. The nine-banded armadillo is the species most commonly found in the US, and they have armored shells with nine lateral bands. Some species of armadillo have long tails that can measure up to twice the length of their body. These tails have their own unique armor, and can help the creatures balance. Armadillos have an excellent sense of smell, helping them find food. They also have large ears, with some species having ears that are bigger than their eyes.
Behavior of Armadillos
Armadillos are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn. During the day, armadillos usually take a nap in the burrows that they have dug. In the wild, some species live in burrows up to thirty feet deep, but armadillos that live in close proximity to humans only dig burrows four to five feet deep. Armadillos will dig trenches around the perimeter of their burrow in order to detect any predators that may be nearby.
Armadillos are solitary creatures in the wild, but may form a small group when foraging for food. They mainly feed on insects, worms, spiders, and beetles. While they may feed on other small creatures, they will also eat dead animals, and have been known to exploit the graves of other creatures in order to scavenge their meal. Due to the variety of food they eat, armadillos can survive in many habitats, such as abandoned meadows and backyards.
Reproduction of Armadillos
The mating habits of armadillos are not well understood, as they keep relatively solitary and rarely approach humans. While female armadillos have multiple mating partners, the males are faithful to their mates. After mating, the male armadillo will give the female armadillo a special mating present, usually a small insect or worm. If the female accepts the gift, she will mate with the male armadillo.
After mating, the female armadillo will produce a litter of up to four young after a gestation period of four to twelve months. These young armadillos will be born with the same armored shell as their parents, and they will begin to feed on the necks of the adults shortly after birth. The young armadillos will reach maturity within six months and will be able to reproduce by the age of one year.
Threats to Armadillos
The main threat to armadillos is habitat loss, as their natural environment is shrinking due to human activity. Armadillos are also hunted for their meat, and their shells are used to make jewelry and decorations. In some areas, armadillos are seen as pests and are killed due to the damage they can cause to gardens and farms. Additionally, armadillos are susceptible to many diseases, such as the leprosy-causing bacteria, which is spread through contact with these animals.
Conclusion
Armadillos are unique and fascinating creatures that are found in many parts of the world. Despite their armored shells, they are vulnerable to many threats, such as habitat loss and hunting. Despite this, they continue to captivate us with their unique features and behaviors. It is important that we work to preserve the habitats of these unique mammals so that they may thrive for years to come.