Armadillos are mammals with armored plates covering their bodies.

They belong to the order Cingulata and are related to sloths and anteaters.

Armadillos are found in the Americas, from the southern U.S. to Argentina.

Their name 'armadillo' means 'little armored one' in Spanish.

Armadillos have a leathery armor shell made of bony plates called scutes.

They are primarily insectivores, feeding on ants, termites, and other small invertebrates.

Armadillos have a long, sticky tongue for catching insects.

They are excellent diggers, using their strong claws to excavate burrows.

Armadillos are solitary animals and are mostly nocturnal.

They have a keen sense of smell to locate food underground.

Armadillos can roll into a ball for protection, leaving predators with only their armored shell exposed.

They have poor eyesight but compensate with their other senses.

Armadillos can swim across rivers and bodies of water.

There are 20 different species of armadillos, each with unique characteristics.

The nine-banded armadillo is the only species found in the United States.

Armadillos give birth to identical quadruplets, always the same sex.

The pink fairy armadillo is the smallest species, measuring around 4.5 inches in length.

Armadillos have a low body temperature, which makes them susceptible to cold temperatures.

They are susceptible to leprosy, and some armadillos carry the bacteria that causes it.

Armadillos have a lifespan of about 4 to 30 years, depending on the species.

Their armor provides protection but limits their agility.

Armadillos are known for their distinctive, rolling gait.

They are excellent climbers and can climb over obstacles.

Armadillos are sometimes used in folklore and mythology to symbolize protection.

They are considered a unique and ancient group of mammals.

Armadillos have a relatively simple stomach compared to other mammals.

They can eat up to 40,000 ants in a single meal.

Armadillos are important for controlling insect populations in their habitats.

Their armor is made of keratin, the same substance as human hair and nails.

Armadillos are not skilled at defending themselves and often rely on their armor for protection.

They communicate using vocalizations, including grunts and squeals.

Armadillos have poor eyesight but excellent hearing.

They have a slow metabolic rate, allowing them to survive on a limited diet.

Armadillos are capable of digging burrows up to 15 feet long.