Cingulata

The Cingulata are a mammalian order that includes armadillos and their extinct relatives. The name "Cingulata" refers to the girdle-like shell found on modern armadillos. This order is part of the superorder Xenarthra, which also includes sloths and anteaters (order Pilosa).123

Xenarthrans are characterized by unique joints in their lumbar vertebrae, which strengthen their lower back and hips, aiding in activities like digging for food. While anteaters are strictly insectivorous and sloths are strictly folivorous, armadillos have a more varied diet of plants and small animals. Xenarthrans generally have lower metabolisms and body temperatures compared to other mammals of similar size.2

The only surviving family within the order Cingulata is Dasypodidae, which comprises the armadillos. Several other families within Cingulata are known only from fossil remains, including glyptodonts and large North American armadillos. Xenarthrans originated in South America and are primarily found in the Western Hemisphere, though the nine-banded armadillo's range extends into the southern United States.23