nine-banded armadillo

mammal

Also known as: Dasypus novemcinctus

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July 23, 2026

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The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is a mammal found in the Americas, most commonly in Texas, but its range has expanded northwards. It is characterized by a protective armor of bony plates, which are segmented into bands. This species is unique among mammals for giving birth to four identical quadruplets from a single egg.12

Armadillos are burrowing animals with strong claws and simple teeth. They are primarily nocturnal, using their sense of smell to find insects, vegetation, and larvae. Their burrows can be extensive and are sometimes used by other animals. When threatened, armadillos may retreat to their burrows, play dead, or, in the case of some species, roll into a ball. The nine-banded armadillo can also swim by ingesting air to become buoyant.2

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armadillo
The three-, six-, and nine-banded armadillos are named for the number of movable bands in their armour. Only one species, the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), is found in the United States. Its range has expanded into several southern states since it was first observed in Texas during the 1800s.…
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The three-, six-, and nine-banded armadillos are named for the number of movable bands in their armour. Only one species, the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), is found in the United States. Its range has expanded into several southern states since it was first observed in Texas during the 1800s.…
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leprosy
Mysteries of the disease
A study of wild nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) and people living with leprosy in the southern United States found that the armadillos and humans were infected with a nearly identical strain of the leprosy bacillus. A subset of the infected individuals recalled having been in direct contact with armadillos.…
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A study of wild nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) and people living with leprosy in the southern United States found that the armadillos and humans were infected with a nearly identical strain of the leprosy bacillus. A subset of the infected individuals recalled having been in direct contact with armadillos.…
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polyembryony
…polyembryony occurs regularly in the nine-banded armadillo, which usually gives birth to four identical young. Striking examples may be found among parasitic insects of the order Hymenoptera; Copidosoma truncatellum, a parasite of certain cutworms, lays a single egg in the body of the host worm from which may develop as…
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…polyembryony occurs regularly in the nine-banded armadillo, which usually gives birth to four identical young. Striking examples may be found among parasitic insects of the order Hymenoptera; Copidosoma truncatellum, a parasite of certain cutworms, lays a single egg in the body of the host worm from which may develop as…
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