While I was in traveling in Costa Rica, I kept my eye out for this near-blind creature. In Costa Rica, there are two kinds the nine-banded and its smaller cousin the naked-tailed armadillo. Armadillos are distinguished by the number of bands on their armor. Because armadillos don't have a natural predator, they have expanded their range and are found throughout much of the United States, as well as, Central America.
Behavior & habitat
Armadillos are terrestrial dwellers that live on the forest floor. The nine-banded armadillo prefers to build burrows in moist soil along creeks and streams. Armadillos have poor vision. They are prolific diggers. They live in a warm rainy environment and can be found in scrublands and tropical forests. They are susceptible to heat and water loss. They are mainly nocturnal and usually forage at dusk.
Appearance
The average length of an armadillo is about 75cm (30 inches) which includes the tail but can grow up to one meter (3.3 ft).
The armadillo's armor is made of plates from dermal bone and has overlapping epidermal scales called scutes. They have a rigid shield over the hips and shoulders. Their heads, upper limbs and tail are covered with armor. This armor is the armadillo's main defense from predators, although most escape by fleeing.
