Six-banded Armadilloムツオビアルマジロ

Species Data

Classification

Cingulata / Chlamyphoridae Source

Distribution

Found across South America's open grasslands and Cerrado savanna, from Brazil and southern Suriname through Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay to northern Argentina. Source

Did You Know?

• Unlike many armadillo species, the six-banded armadillo cannot roll into a ball, so it relies on running away or flattening itself against the ground to avoid predators. Source
• It can store subcutaneous fat to sustain itself when food is scarce, allowing its body weight to increase from a typical 3.2–6.5 kg up to 8–11 kg. Source
• Named for the roughly six movable bands across its back armor, it digs efficient U-shaped burrows averaging 19 cm in height and 21 cm wide at the entrance. Source

FAQ

Can the six-banded armadillo roll into a ball?

No. Unlike many armadillo species, it cannot curl into a ball, so it defends itself by running away or pressing flat against the ground instead. Source

What does the six-banded armadillo eat?

It is an omnivore, eating carrion, small invertebrates, insects, ants, fruit, palm nuts, and tubers. Source

How does the six-banded armadillo survive food shortages?

It can store subcutaneous fat reserves, allowing its body weight to rise from a typical 3.2–6.5 kg up to 8–11 kg to sustain it through periods when food is scarce. Source