This isn’t true. Armadillos are only closely related to other xenarthrans — South American anteaters and sloths. This group is unique to North and South America, and is not closely related to any other group of mammals. The mammal that is most often confused with an armadillo is the pangolin (Order Pholidota).
Unlike the horns of rhinos or the fingernails and toenails of humans, the plates of armadillos are made of solid bone . They grow directly out of these animals’ vertebrae. The number and pattern of the bands range anywhere from three to nine, depending on the species.
What is the scientific name of armadillo?
Armadillos (from Spanish “little armoured one”) are New World placental mammals in the order Cingulata. The Chlamyphoridae and Dasypodidae are the only surviving families in the order, which is part of the superorder Xenarthra, along with the anteaters and sloths.
Superorder Xenarthra: Sloths, Anteaters and Armadillos Armadillos are members of the superorder Xenarthra (“xenarthra” means “strange joint”). This is a relatively small branch of mammals that developed in isolation in South America around 50,000,000 years ago.
Do armadillos have horns?
The only species that ranges across the expanse of the Americas is the nine-banded armadillo, which can be found as far afield as Texas, Florida, and Missouri. Unlike the horns of rhinos or the fingernails and toenails of humans, the plates of armadillos are made of solid bone . They grow directly out of these animals’ vertebrae.
Are there armadillos in the United States?
The answer is yes — there are quite a few armadillos in the United States and Mexico. However, all of these animals represent only one species of armadillo, the nine-banded armadillo ( Dasypus novemcinctus ).
Are armadillos native to North America?
All species are native to the Americas, where they inhabit a variety of different environments. Armadillos are characterized by a leathery armor shell and long, sharp claws for digging.