They live in deserts, temperate grasslands, and rainforests. Armadillos also dig holes in the ground to live in. They sleep about 16 hours each day! They wake up to look for food in the early morning and early evening.
When I was researching we ran into the inquiry “How do armadillos survive in the desert?”.
Some armadillos can even roll up into a ball to cover their less protected undersides. Just so, how do armadillos survive in the desert? They live in deserts, temperate grasslands, and rainforests. Armadillos also dig holes in the ground to live in. They sleep about 16 hours each day!
It is a physical adaptation. Their brownish-green coloring also helps them blend into the scrubby grasslands where they live so they are not easily seen. This camouflage is also a physical adaptation. Some armadillos can even roll up into a ball to cover their less protected undersides.
Where do armadillos live in Central America?
The northern naked-tailed armadillo and nine-banded armadillo, are the two species that are found in Central America. Many species of armadillos are endangered. The nine-banded armadillo has reached the United States, primarily in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.
What is an armadillo?
Armadillo is a Spanish word meaning “little armored one” and refers to the bony plates that cover the back, head, legs, and tail of most of these odd looking creatures. Armadillos are the only living mammals that wear such shells.
Armadillos are leathery little animals that live in North, Central, and South America. Though they seem scaled, like a reptile, armadillos are actually mammals. They are warm-blooded, have hair, give live birth, and nurse their babies with milk. Their name comes from their thick leathery skin, and means “little armored one” in Spanish.
The next thing we wondered was: what do armadillos use their claws for?
I discovered Strong legs and huge front claws are used for digging, and long, sticky tongues for extracting ants and termites from their tunnels. In addition to bugs, armadillos eat small vertebrates, plants, and some fruit, as well as the occassional carrion meal.
Do you ever see an armadillo?
They’re definitely interesting-looking animals. But if you see one, remember to keep your distance. Armadillos are wild animals and sometimes carry disease. They also jump very high-about four feet-when startled. Never sneak up on an armadillo!