Armadillos Burrow

Looks at armadillo burrows and how armadillos use them to stay safe and raise their young.

Details the characteristics, habitat, and life cycle of the nine-banded armadillo. Includes photo diagram.

The word armadillo is Spanish for “little armored one.” This midsize mammal that looks like a walking tank is a source of fascination for many people but a mystery to almost all. Dating back at least eleven million years, the nocturnal, burrowing insectivore was for centuries mistaken for a cross between a hedgehog and a turtle, but it actually belongs to the mammalian superorder Xenarthra that includes sloths and anteaters. Biologists W. J. Loughry and Colleen M. McDonough have studied the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) for more than twenty years. Their richly illustrated book offers the first comprehensive review of everything scientists know about this unique animal. Engaging both scientists and a broader public, Loughry and McDonough describe the armadillo’s anatomy and physiology and all aspects of its ecology, behavior, and evolution. They also compare the nine-banded armadillo with twenty or so other, related species. The authors pay special attention to three key features of armadillo biology—reproduction, disease, and habitat expansion—and why they matter. Armadillos reproduce in a unique and puzzling manner: females always give birth to litters of genetically identical quadruplets, a strategy not found in any other vertebrates. Nine-banded armadillos are also the only vertebrates except for humans known to contract leprosy naturally. And what about habitat expansion? The authors suggest that the armadillo’s remarkable spread across the southeastern United States may be the consequence of its most notable feature: a tough, protective carapace. Biologists, evolutionists, students, and all those interested in this curious creature will find The Nine-Banded Armadillo rich in information and insight. This comprehensive analysis will stand as the definitive scientific reference for years to come and a source of pleasure for the general public.

Introduces the physical characteristics, behavior, and habitat of the nine-banded armadillo.

"This informative and appealing introduction to armadillos covers the growth and development of a mother and her four pups"--Amazon.com.

Who's that digging in the desert sand? It's an armadillo! Look inside to find out why armadillos dig.

In Armadillos, beginning readers will follow an armadillo in the wild as it digs a burrow and stays safe from predators. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn how armadillos survive in the wild.

Armadillos have one of the most interesting defense mechanisms in the animal kingdom. In the blink of an eye, they are able to curl themselves up into a ball. Their thick, armor-like skin protects them against many predators. Young readers will be eager to learn more about these cool and funny-looking animals.

This book introduces young readers to the iconic armadillo. Easy-to-read text examines the armadillo's development as a cultural icon, from its migration to the United States to its status as the state small mammal of Texas. Readers will also learn about the armadillo's body, its appearance, size, and special shell. The armadillo's unique reproduction is discussed, as is pup development and life cycle. Readers will discover what armadillos like to eat, and how they use their sticky tongue and claws to grab their insect meals. Also covered is the armadillo's habitat, and a range map shows where in the world they live. Informative sidebars highlight additional information, including the armadillo's scientific classification. Predators, including humans, are also discussed, along with the armadillo's expanding range and its status as both icon and pest. Bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index enhance readability for young iconologists. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

"What's that creature crawling up from underground? It's an armadillo. Learn about how the armadillo lives in the dirt, explore its holey home, and follow along as it makes its way aboveground at night. Engaging photos and fun text make it easy to learn the hole truth about armadillos"--