Armadillo 3

Six-banded Armadillo

Scientific name: Euphractus sexcinctus

 

There are 20 different species of armadillo, all except one are found in South America.

The six-banded armadillo derives its name from the six moveable bands found within its armour. This armour is formed from plates of bone, covered in scales made of Keratin. They are also referred to as the ‘yellow armadillo.’ Unlike other armadillos they are unable to roll into a ball, instead they will flee into burrows to escape predators.

They are usually a diurnal species of armadillo, being most active during the day. They will spend a lot of their time foraging for food or digging dens to sleep in, which can be up to 2 metres underground. They have poor eyesight and hearing, relying primarily on their sense of smell to survive and detect both prey and predators. The six-banded armadillo is primarily solitary (other than when mating) and will scent mark its territory in order to keep other armadillos away.

Least Concern (Inc. Bar)

  1. At Noah's Ark...

    We have 2 Six-banded Armadillos... Arnold and Ernie.

  2. We live...

    In the Viva South America, opposite the Eagle and Vulture enclosures.

Adopt an armadillo animal encounters

  1. Size Fact

    The six banded armadillo is the third largest armadillo species (after the giant armadillo and the greater long-nosed armadillo).

  2. Food Fact

    The six-banded armadillo is an omnivore. This means its diet is made up of a mixture of plant matter, such as fruits, leaves and roots, as well as small invertebrates and carrion.

  3. Fun Fact

    The term armadillo is Spanish and means ‘Little Armoured One’.

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You can support our conservation efforts and help with the costs of keeping rare and wonderful zoo animals by adopting an Armadillo. Adopt an Armadillo for yourself or as a gift.

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