Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center for
Date of this Version
May 2005
Abstract
Scientists classify armadillos with anteaters and sloths which tells us immediately that they have poorly developed teeth and limited mobility. Armadillos have small, peg-like teeth that are useful for grinding their food but of little value for capturing prey. No other mammal in Georgia has bony skin plates which makes the armadillo easy to identify. Their common name, armadillo, is derived from a Spanish term meaning “little armored one”. The nine-banded part of their name refers to the nine flexible plates that comprise their shell. Just like a turtle, the shell is called a carapace.
Comments
Published by UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA WARNELL SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES PUBLICATION –WSFR – NHS 05-04. Used by permission.