Biodiversity
< Back
Seven-Banded Armadillo
Dasypus septemcinctus | Linnaeus, 1758
PHOTO: Property of Native / Embrapa
Characteristics: The smallest species of the genus, measuring about 26cm in length and with a tail measuring 11 to 15cm. Its body is covered by a brownish shell consisting of dark and a few yellow bone plates; it has 6 to 7 joint bands on its body.
Distribution: Southern Amazon to Rio Grande do Sul and also in Argentina.
Habitat: Low or moderate altitude fields, in savannas, forest edges, and secondary forests.
Habits: A primarily nocturnal species, but it may be seen foraging during the day.
Diet: Classified as "generalist insectivore," it feeds mainly on insects, but also small vertebrates, roots, earthworms, snails, and even carrion.
Breeding: Four pups are usually born, all of the same sex.
In the UFRA area: The seven-banded armadillo has a limited spatial distribution, and is considered rare or uncommon in the studied farms. It was seen only a few times.