The nine-banded armadillo is an armoured mammal found from the southern United States to Argentina. It is the only armadillo living in the United States and is expanding its range.
Interesting facts
- Despite the name, it can have from seven to eleven bands on its shell.
- It can hold its breath for about six minutes and walk across the bottom of streams.
- It can also gulp air to float across water.
- When startled, it jumps straight up, which often leads to collisions with cars.
- Armadillos can carry the bacterium that causes leprosy.
- Its range has spread steadily north in the United States over the past century.
Behaviour
Armadillos are mostly nocturnal in warm weather, digging for insects with strong claws and a keen sense of smell. They dig burrows for shelter.
Breeding and young
Mating takes place in summer, but implantation is delayed, and the identical quadruplets are born the following spring.
Threats and conservation
The species is common, although many are killed on roads and hunted for meat.
Where to see it
- Texas, where it is the state small mammal
- Florida and Louisiana
- Mexico and Central America
- Roadsides and fields at dusk
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
