"Little armored one" ... that's what armadillo means in Spanish.¬ And they definitely have earned that name.¬ Although, we don't currently have one in our collection at the zoo, that does not diminish how interesting these animals are.

So what about that armor?¬ They have ossified dermal skin tissues, which means the deepest layer of skin has turned to bone.¬ That bony layer is then covered with a tough, horny skin tissue and sparse hairs.¬ 

The ossified tissues form plates over the animals back, and when threatened, most types of armadillos can roll up into a defensive posture with nothing but the hard plates exposed to the danger.¬ Some can roll up so tightly that they look like a ball.

Many consider armadillos a pest species, as they are prolific diggers.¬ They dig burrows for sleeping, nesting and escaping predators.¬ Some species dig a new night burrow every evening.

Armadillos also dig for dinner.¬ They are primarily insectivores, and many of the grubs and beetles they feast upon are found in the dirt. As they dig they are often heard grunting, so sneaking up on their prey is not how they catch their dinner.¬ They have sticky tongues, like an anteater, to help them catch their prey quickly after it is dug up by fast-moving, clawed feet.

Throughout their range, the armadillos are a less-than-favorite neighbor of many farmers and suburbanites.¬ Digging up landscapes and creating holes for cattle to step in has resulted in this creature being exterminated in some areas.¬ However, in a fascinating turn of events, it turns out that the armadillo is the only natural predator of fire ants in the United States, so this rooter of soil has re-earned a bit of respect.¬ 

Another threat to this group of animals is that throughout Latin America they are considered a tasty treat.¬ To avoid the taboo of saying one is consuming armadillo they are referred to as turkeys.¬ During the Great Depression they were given the name "Texas turkey" and "Hoover hog" to help ease people into the idea of eating this shelled creature.

All species of armadillos are found in the Americas.¬ Most are in South America, but two are found in Mexico and the United States.¬ The armadillo primarily found in the United States is the nine-banded armadillo.¬ 

This species can reach almost 10 pounds in weight and, despite its name, has between seven and nine bands.¬ 

In contrast, the smallest armadillo, the small hairy armadillo, is only two pounds and the largest, the Giant armadillo, can reach 66 pounds.¬ The range of the nine-banded extends over much of South America and as far north as Kansas.¬ Their migration may not extend too much further north because of the colder winters the Midwest experiences.¬ Armadillos do not store body fat and, therefore, cannot withstand cold climates.

Armadillos are primarily solitary animals, but can be found in pairs and small groups during the mating season.¬ 

Pairs will forage together for several days before mating, and implantation of the embryo is delayed for up to four months in some species.¬ The nine-banded armadillo almost always gives birth to four identical offspring.

One amazing tidbit I found while researching the armadillo is that the nine-banded armadillo is the only animal that is known to purposely inflate its intestine to allow it to float across large bodies of water.¬ If only crossing a creek or river, it will gulp air and hold its breath while walking across the river bed underwater.

When frightened, the nine-banded not only has the ability to protect itself with its armor, but it also can leap three to four feet up in the air.¬ I would just hate to be under it when this hard-covered creature came back down to Earth.

The natural world is full of fun and fascinating animals that seem to defy common conceptions.¬ The armadillo is certainly one of those animals.¬ 

Although we do not have one here at the zoo, there are many animals that have the ability to stretch the imagination at Lee Richardson Zoo.¬ I'm sure you will see an animal you consider fascinating and unique on your next visit.

I hope you enjoy the out-of-doors and appreciate nature. Happy Earth Day week.

Visit our award-winning Web site at www.garden-city.org/zoo.