 | Quick Facts |  |
|  | Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Xenarthra
Family: Dasypodidae
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Family Dasypodidae
Nine-Banded Armadillo
Members of this family, the armadillos, are the most diverse group of xenarthrans. There are 20 species of armadillo in 8 genera. The primary feature of the armadillo is its "shell". It is not like a turtle's shell but a layer of thick, hard skin that covers the dorsal surface. This can be very hairy or lack hair at all. The underside of most armadillos is very hairy and some armadillos can actually curl up into a ball so that their soft belly is protected. Species vary in size and have various other features that are not consistent (ear size, etc.) However, they all have short, powerful limbs with long, curved claws. All armadillos are string swimmers and most live their entire lives on the ground. The are usually solitary though some species will nest together in the same burrow. All are diggers that live in burrows and dig after food.
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