Six-banded Armadillo

General Information

The six-banded armadillo is typically between 40 and 50 centimetres (16 and 20 in) in length, and weighs 3.2 to 6.5 kilograms. The carapace is pale yellow to reddish brown, marked by scales of equal length, and scantily covered in bristle-like hairs. The forefeet have five distinct toes, each with moderately developed claws.

Six-banded armadillos are efficient diggers and form burrows to live in and search for prey. The armadillo is alert and primarily solitary. They are omnivorous, feeding on insects, carrion, and plant material. Due to their poor eyesight, armadillos rely on their sense of smell to detect prey and predators. Births take place throughout the year; gestation is 60 to 64 days long, after which a litter of one to three is born.

The IUCN classifies the six-banded armadillo as least concern, due to its wide distribution, adaptability and stable population. They also live in several protected areas. Although there are no major threats to its survival, six-banded armadillo populations north of the Amazon River might be declining due to human settlement and industrial expansion. Armadillos are reportedly hunted for medicinal purposes.