SPECIES SPOTLIGHT Nine-Banded Armadillos

The Nine-Banded Armadillo: A Unique Mammal

The nine-banded armadillo is a fascinating creature known for its distinctive armor-like shell. These mammals are native to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States to Argentina. Armadillos are primarily insectivores, feeding on ants, termites, and other invertebrates. They also consume fruits, roots, and carrion. They are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and deserts.

Physical Characteristics

As its name suggests, the nine-banded armadillo has nine distinct bands of bony plates encircling its back, providing excellent protection against predators. These plates are connected by flexible bands of skin, allowing the armadillo to curl into a nearly impenetrable ball when threatened. They also have long, sharp claws well-suited for digging burrows and foraging food.

Unique Reproductive Traits

One of the most remarkable aspects of the nine-banded armadillo’s biology is its reproductive system. Unlike most mammals, nine-banded armadillos always give birth to identical quadruplets. This happens because a single fertilized egg splits into four separate babies, creating identical offspring.

Armadillo Pregnancies

The gestation period for nine-banded armadillos is approximately four months. The young are born fully developed and ready to leave the burrow within a few hours. Armadillo pups are born with their eyes closed and rely entirely on their mother for survival. At birth, their shells are soft and leathery. These harden within a few days to provide protection.

Our nine-banded armadillo Patsy is currently pregnant and will be due in February 2025!

You can meet our nine-banded armadillos at Connection Corner during the Zoo’s summer months!