Class: Mammalia

Order: Xenarthra

Scientific Name: Chaetophractus vellerosus

Range: Western Bolivia to Paraguay and Central Argentina

Habitat: Semi-desert conditions in open areas

Diet: Wild: grubs, insects, small rodents & lizards, plant material in winter

Gestation: 60-75 days

Litter: 2

Description: Weight averages at about 1.5 lbs. The armor consists of the shield on the head, a small shield between the ears on the back of the neck, and the carapace which protects the shoulders, back, sides and rump. The banded portion of the carapace has about 18 bands, of which usually 7 to 8 are movable. These animals have more hair than most armadillos. The armadillos are powerful diggers and live in burrows. Activity is largely nocturnal in summer, to avoid the desert heat, and diurnal in winter. When pursued, C. villosus at first attempts to run away, often emitting a snarling sound. If unable to find a hole, it tries to burrow into the ground. If overtaken while running or it does not have a chance to burrow, it draws in its feet so that the edges of its armor are in contact with the ground.They burrow under animal carcasses to obtain maggots and other insects.Mating usually occurs in September. There is said to be more than one litter annually. Litters usually consist of two young, often one male and one female. The young weigh about 5.4 ounces at birth, open their eyes after 16 to 30 days, and reach sexual maturity at 9 months.

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the Conservation Education Programs at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.