A Spanish word meaning "little armoured one", the Armadillo can usually be found in Latin America. An appropriate name considering the bony plates that cover its head, back, legs and tail! However, contrary to popular belief, only the three-banded armadillo can encase itself within its armour. It curls its head and back feet and turns itelf into a hard ball that makes it difficult for predators to attack them.
Armadillos are closely related to sloths and anteaters, shown in their pointy, shovel shaped snout and small eyes. Though this gives them poor eyesight, their sense of smell makes up for it and allows them to hunt for plants, fruit, the occasional carrion meal, and bugs they extract from their tunnels with long, sticky tongues and strong digging claws.
They prefer a warm climate, usually residing in rain forests, grasslands and semi-deserts. Most species dig burrows and sleep for up to 16 hours a day, foraging in the early morning and evening for food.
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