Three-banded Armadillo

About the three-banded armadillo

The three-banded armadillo, also known as the southern three-banded armadillo, La Plata three-banded armadillo, or Azara's domed armadillo, is a South American armadillo species. It lives in northern Argentina, southwestern Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia, at elevations ranging from sea level up to 770 m (2,530 ft). It is one of the smaller armadillos, with a head-and-body length of about 22 to 27 cm (8.7 to 10.6 in) and a weight between 1 and 1.6 kg (2.2 and 3.5 lb).

Its shell is typically yellow or brownish, and the outer layer is built from keratin, the same protein that makes up human fingernails. Three bands cover the animal's back, giving it enough flexibility to draw its tail and head together and seal itself into a protected shape. This species and its close relative the Brazilian three-banded armadillo are the only armadillos capable of rolling into a complete, fully enclosed ball, a defense that shields the underbelly, limbs, eyes, nose, and ears from predators.

Unlike most armadillos, the three-banded armadillo is not fossorial. Instead, it typically uses burrows abandoned by giant anteaters.

Behavior and diet

The three-banded armadillo feeds mainly on ants and termites, which it gathers using a long, sticky, straw-like pink tongue suited to reaching into insect nests and pulling out prey. In captivity, its diet broadens to include fruits and vegetables alongside its natural insect fare.

When threatened, it rolls itself into a tight, armored ball using the flexibility of its three back bands, tucking away every vulnerable part of its body.

Range and habitat

The three-banded armadillo is native to parts of northern Argentina, southwestern Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia, occurring from sea level up to elevations of 770 m (2,530 ft). Its habitat centers on the Dry Chaco, a landscape that is increasingly being converted to farmland.

Conservation status

The three-banded armadillo is classified as Near Threatened (NT). Its main threats are habitat destruction from the conversion of its native Dry Chaco habitat to farmland, along with hunting for food and capture for the pet trade.