ARMADILLO

ARMADILLO

Armadillos are the only living mammals that wear such shells. They are diggers. The smallest species, the pink fairy armadillo 85 g. The largest species, the giant armadillo 54 kg.

DIET

The diets of different armadillo species vary, but consist mainly of insects, grubs, and other invertebrates. Some species, however, feed almost entirely on ants and termites.

ARMADILLOS and HUMANS

Armadillos are often used in the study of leprosy. They are particularly susceptible due to their unusually low body temperature, which is hospitable to the leprosy bacterium, Mycobacterium leprae.

Humans can acquire a leprosy infection from armadillos by handling them or consuming armadillo meat.