Only one species of armadillo lives in Georgia and the southeastern United States, but 20 recognized species are found throughout Central and South America. Just like a turtle, the shell is called a carapace.Īrmadillos are common in central and southern Georgia and are moving northward. No other mammal in Georgia has bony skin plates or a “shell,” which makes the armadillo easy to identify. In fact, armadillos have small, peg-like teeth that are useful for grinding their food but of little value for capturing prey. They have poorly developed teeth and limited mobility. Therefore, just enjoy these unique creatures from afar.Scientists classify armadillos with anteaters and sloths. Your doctor will follow up with you over time and perform periodic skin examinations to see if you develop the disease. The CDC recommends contacting your healthcare provider, should you make contact. Never expose yourself to blood or other fluids from these animals, and you should never touch them with bare hands. Humans can acquire a leprosy infection from armadillos by handling them or consuming armadillo meat. They are particularly susceptible due to their unusually low body temperature, which is hospitable to the leprosy bacterium. Armadillos are often used in the study of leprosy, since they are among the few known species that can contract the disease systemically. To cross larger bodies of water, it is capable of increasing its buoyancy by swallowing air, inflating its stomach and intestines. It can walk underwater for short distances, holding its breath for as long as six minutes. The nine-banded armadillo moves well through water. When threatened by a predator, the nine-banded armadillo tends to jump straight in the air when surprised, so consequently often collides with the undercarriage or fenders of passing vehicles to its demise.Īrmadillos have short legs, but can move quite quickly. This armor-like skin appears to be an important defense for many armadillos, although most escape predators by fleeing. Soft skin and fur cover the underside of the animal. Additional armor covers the top of the head, the upper parts of the limbs, and the tail. Most species have rigid shields over the shoulders and hips, with a number of bands separated by flexible skin covering the back and flanks. Their armor is formed by plates of dermal bone, covered in relatively small overlapping epidermal scales called “scutes.” If you have an unoccupied home or vacation property here on the Island, using a local Hilton Head home watch company can help keep them away. They dig their burrows with their claws, making them a pest to many home owners. They use their claws for digging and finding food, as well as for making their homes in burrows. The nine-banded armadillo prefers to build burrows in moist soil near the creeks, streams, and marshes around which it lives and feeds.Īrmadillos have very poor eyesight, and use their keen sense of smell to hunt for food. Many species use their sharp claws to dig for food, such as grubs, and to dig dens. Some species, however, feed almost entirely on ants and termites. The diets of different armadillo species vary, but consist mainly of insects, grubs, and other invertebrates. The average length of an armadillo is about 30″, including tail. They have short legs, but can move quite quickly. Armadillos are characterized by a leathery armor shell and long, sharp claws for digging. When they’re fully grown, they can weigh up to 17 pounds. This species has nine rings of armor around their body, as well as 12 rings around their tail. In SC, the nine-banded armadillo is the species that is most often found. 0 Shares Armadillos are more common in Texas, the Midwest and the deep South, but they have been moving northward into SC.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |