All armadillos roll themselves into balls when they feel threatened. Animal fact or fiction?
Click the button next to your choice. Then, click the "GO" button to see how you did.
Nope, sorry! Most people think that all armadillos can roll themselves into a ball to protect themselves from predators. But, this is not true. There is only one genus of armadillo, Tolypeutes (three-banded armadillo), that can roll itself into a ball. Genus Tolypeutes has two recognized species: Brazilian three-banded armadillo (t. tricinctus) and southern three-banded armadillo (t. matacus).
The Brazilian three-banded armadillo is found in tropical forests on chalky grounds in parts of the northern highland trails of Brazil, including the western part of the province of Bahia, Pernambuco, Piauí and northern Minas Gerais. Brazilian three-banded armadillos are 8.6-10.7 inches (218-273 mm) long with a tail length of 2.4-3.1 inches (60-80 mm). They weigh 2.2-3.5 lbs (1.00-1.59 kg) and are brownish black in color.
The southern three-banded armadillo is found in grassy or marshy areas between scattered forestland in central and eastern Bolivia, the Mateo Grasso of central Brazil, Chaco region of Paraguay and in central Argentina. It is about the same length, weight and color as the Brazillian three-banded armadillo.
Both species of three-banded armadillo roll themselves into a ball, leaving only a small opening between the shell edges. If the armadillo is prodded through the opening, it quickly snaps fully shut like a steel trap, which appears to be a highly effective defense against predators. So, if these are the only species of armadillo that roll themselves into balls, how do other species of armadillo protect themselves against predators?
Different species of armadillo protect themselves from predators in different ways. Pink fairy armadillos will block the opening of its den with its blunt, scaly rear. The pichi armadillo wedges itself into its shallow burrow, making it hard for predators to drag it out because of its jagged scales. The nine-banded armadillo (also known as long-nosed armadillo) will startle its predator by jumping 3-4 feet straight up into the air. While this may be effective at scaring animal predators, it doesn't work against an automobile. This is why nine-banded armadillos are frequently hit by cars. Other ways the nine-banded armadillo will protect itself include digging or entering an existing burrow, or pressing its unprotected belly against the ground with its legs tucked under its armor. Other species of armadillo protect themselves by digging new tunnels into which they vanish. They may also run into thorny bushes and rely on their armor to protect themselves from predators or roll up partially to protect their vulnerable, soft bellies.
You're right! Good job! Most people think that all armadillos can roll themselves into a ball to protect themselves from predators. But, this is not true. There is only one genus of armadillo, Tolypeutes (three-banded armadillo), that can roll itself into a ball. Genus Tolypeutes has two recognized species: Brazilian three-banded armadillo (t. tricinctus) and southern three-banded armadillo (t. matacus).
The Brazilian three-banded armadillo is found in tropical forests on chalky grounds in parts of the northern highland trails of Brazil, including the western part of the province of Bahia, Pernambuco, Piauí and northern Minas Gerais. Brazilian three-banded armadillos are 8.6-10.7 inches (218-273 mm) long with a tail length of 2.4-3.1 inches (60-80 mm). They weigh 2.2-3.5 lbs (1.00-1.59 kg) and are brownish black in color.
The southern three-banded armadillo is found in grassy or marshy areas between scattered forestland in central and eastern Bolivia, the Mateo Grasso of central Brazil, Chaco region of Paraguay and in central Argentina. It is about the same length, weight and color as the Brazillian three-banded armadillo.
Both species of three-banded armadillo roll themselves into a ball, leaving only a small opening between the shell edges. If the armadillo is prodded through the opening, it quickly snaps fully shut like a steel trap, which appears to be a highly effective defense against predators. So, if these are the only species of armadillo that roll themselves into balls, how do other species of armadillo protect themselves against predators?
Different species of armadillo protect themselves from predators in different ways. Pink fairy armadillos will block the opening of its den with its blunt, scaly rear. The pichi armadillo wedges itself into its shallow burrow, making it hard for predators to drag it out because of its jagged scales. The nine-banded armadillo (also known as long-nosed armadillo) will startle its predator by jumping 3-4 feet straight up into the air. While this may be effective at scaring animal predators, it doesn't work against an automobile. This is why nine-banded armadillos are frequently hit by cars. Other ways the nine-banded armadillo will protect itself include digging or entering an existing burrow, or pressing its unprotected belly against the ground with its legs tucked under its armor. Other species of armadillo protect themselves by digging new tunnels into which they vanish. They may also run into thorny bushes and rely on their armor to protect themselves from predators or roll up partially to protect their vulnerable, soft bellies.