Mexican Long-Nosed Armadillo
Armadillos are unique mammals, with bony armor covering their bodies and the ability to roll into a ball to protect themselves from predators.
About This Species
The armadillo is a relative newcomer to Colorado. There are only two or three reports of the animals to date, but we should probably expect to see them in increasing numbers.
Until 2024, it was believed that all armadillos from Argentina to Illinois were Nine-Banded Armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus mexicanus), but are now recognized as a distinct species; the Mexican Long-Nosed Armadillo (Dasypus mexicanus).
Armadillos are not only interesting, but their increasing range may also be a telltale sign of a warming climate. They are well protected against most predators. Their first defense is to run (and they are remarkably fast for tanks!), then they jump into the air and startle the predator. Finally they roll into an armored ball, impenetrable to all but the most persistent coyote and, of course, vehicular traffic.
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Physical Characteristics
Armadillos have armor made of dermal bone in bands covered in leathery skin, nine small bands in the middle of their body, two large plates on their front and back, and a plate on their head. They have a long snout and large ears. Total length may be 32 inches, and adults weigh six to nine pounds.
Range
Armadillos are very widespread subtropical animals, ranging from northern Argentina into the southern United States. Until 2024, it was believed that all nine-banded armadillos were the same species, but genetic analysis has revealed four distinct species, with Colorado and the central Great Plains recently welcoming the Mexican Long-Nosed Armadillo.
Habitat
Their habitat is woodlands in river valleys where they dig deep burrows in banks and under vegetation. They can be a nuisance when they burrow in ditch banks, and root up melon patches and vegetable fields.
Diet
They have simple, peg-like teeth and eat insects, worms, slugs, fruits, eggs and some carrion.
Reproduction
Armadillos do not hibernate, but spend cold, stormy weather deep underground. They breed in late summer, but development of the young does not begin until early winter. After a gestation period of 120 days, a litter of identical quadruplets (four young from a single fertilized egg) is born. The fist-sized newborns are ready to walk their first day.