Armadillo Anatomy

All the plates are linked and kept in position by its thick tough skin. Armadillos surface may look like armor but its a form of skin.

C 1795 Animal Skeletons Engraving Original Antique Skeletal Anatomy Print Halloween Decor Rabbit Mole Armadillo Chameleon Skeletons

They get harder as the animal grows depositing bone under the skin to make a solid shell.

Armadillo anatomy. Dasypus novemcinctus l the top of the head and the sides of the limbs are shielded with polygonal bony scutes and the tail is encased in a succession of bony rings. They are prolific diggers. The snout is long and pointed the ears cylindrical.

This is because their armor is slightly looser than that of other armadillo genera which allows for greater freedom of movement. Armadillos are protected by plates of bony armor covered with skin. Anatomy of the armadillo the big armor like plates are in reality solid thick scales covering the bigger scutes which guard the animal.

The smallest species the pink fairy armadillo is roughly chipmunk sized at 85 g 30 oz and 1315 cm 5159 in in total length. They are also known as long nosed armadillo. It is the most common armadillo.

Typical coloration is a mottled mixture of brown and yellowish white. It is thought to jump 4 feet high up in the air when threatened. Although the shell may look thick it is quite thin and prevents the armadillo from being able to regulate his body temperature.

Armadillos have a low percentage of body fat and are warm blooded mammals. The nine banded armadillo is the natural reservoir for the study of reproduction and multiple birth related issues. Many armadillos can curl into a ball when threatened by predators.

The process of laying down bone is known as ossification. As seasons change they will change their times of activity. The nine banded armadillo has also been used in experiments to study cancer causing agents drug metabolism skin and organ transplant etc.

The genus tolypeutes which includes both the brazilian and southern species of three banded armadillos is unique in the ability to roll up in a tight almost impenetrable ball. The nine banded armadillo dasypus novemcinctus is a medium size mammal that typically occurs in america. The largest species the giant armadillo can be the size of a small pig and weigh up to 54 kg 119 lb and can be 150 cm 59 in long.

Nine banded armadillo facts anatomy diet habitat behavior. They are also used in research on chagas disease. Baby armadillos have soft shells like human fingernails.

Many armadillos can curl into a ball when threatened by predators. For more on armadillo anatomy see the about armadillos page. Nine banded armadillos are likely to make homes in secondary rainforests and dry scrubs.

For more on armadillo anatomy see the about armadillos page.

Armadillo Mammal Britannica