Though the six-banded armadillo looks more like a robot than an armadillo, this species is actually related to sloths and anteaters!  Their tough protective shell is made of bony plates and covered in horny skin that defends the animal from predators. Though they do have six to eight movable bands on their shells, they cannot roll into a ball. Instead, they are able to draw their limbs under their shell which protects their soft, vulnerable underbellies. The six-banded armadillo also has five toes equipped with sharp claws that are perfect for scratching and digging.

Although this species isn’t threatened or endangered, they are often killed by farmers because they eat and destroy crops. They are also hunted locally for their meat and for their armored shell.

Did You Know?
Armadillo is Spanish for “little armored thing.”