Three-banded Armadillo
Tolypeutes matacus
Class: Mammalia Order: Xenarthra Family: Dasypodidae
Description
Head and body length is approx. 1 foot and tail length is approx. 6 inches; weight is approx. 3 1/2 pounds. Overall coloration is dark to light brown. The back, head, feet, and tail are covered with a thick, leathery shell; the ears are naked and on the underside are long, bristly hairs. the “armor” is separated into two sections, one forward and one to the back, with segments of “armor” between; this armadillo typically has three of these segments, or bands, although some have two or four. The toes on the front feet are separated and have 4 claws; the middle three toes on the back feet are grown together and have a thick claw.
Range
South America: north-central Argentina, east-central Bolivia, and sections of Brazil and Paraguay
Ecology
Diet: in the wild - mainly ants and termites; in the Zoo - ground meat, eggs, dog food
Habitat: grasslands or marshes near dry forests or savannah areas
Lifespan/Social Structure
Solitary, but a dozen or so animals will share a nest during the cold season. Sexual maturity is reached at 9 - 12 months of age. Most young are born Nov.-Jan., but births have been reported throughout the year. A single offspring is born after a maximum 120-day gestation; the young armadillo is blind, but will quickly develop the ability to close their shells and walk. Weaning takes place after 72 days. Lifespan is 12 - 15 years.
Special Information
· These are the only armadillos that are able to close themselves completely into a ball, completely covered by their shell. The head and tail fit exactly side-by-side other to close the shell after the animal has rolled itself into a ball.
· They don’t dig their own burrows, but instead use abandoned anteater burrows or make their dens under dense vegetation.
Miller Park Zoo Specimens:
Name Sex Birthdate Obtained From Date Obtained
Amata F 6/09 MP Zoo
Lolo M 11/13/03 Lowry Park Zoo 4/27/11