Chaetophractus villosus
large hairy armadillo

Chaetophractus villosus inhabits northern Paraguay and southern Bolivia to central Argentina (Nowak, 1999).

Chaetophractus villosus is best adapted to open, semidesert environments.

Armadillos have a double layer of horn and bone over the majority of their dorsal side. This protective layer consists of bands and plates which are surrounded by flexible skin (Nowak, 1999). A small shield on the head protects the ears and back of the neck. The carapace protects the shoulders, back and side of the body and consists of approximately 18 bands, 7 to 8 of which are movable (Nowak, 1999). The ventral area is covered by soft skin. Hair extends from between the scales and also covers this soft ventral skin. The skin is brown to pinkish in color and the hair is grayish brown to white (Nowak, 1999). The skulls of C. villosus are flattened dorsoventrally and have peglike teeth, which are evergrowing (Nowak, 1999).

Mating takes place in September and gestation lasts for 60 to 75 days (Nowak, 1999). There is more than one litter per year. Litters are generally composed of two young (Nixon, 2001).

At birth C. villosus weighs 155 g. Young open their eyes at 16-30 days (Nixon, 2001). Chaetophractus villosus is born with a soft, leathery skin which hardens with age (Nowak, 1999). The hairy armadillo is weaned 50 to 60 days after birth and is sexually mature at nine months of age (Nowak, 1999).

The maximum lifespan of a captive hairy armadillo is 30 years (Nixon, 2001).

Chaetophractus villosus burrows to escape predation, to search for food, and to decrease body temperature on hot desert days (Casanave, 1995). They become more nocturnal during summer to avoid heat (Nixon, 2001).

Chaetophractus villosus is an omnivore that feeds on insects, invertebrates, small vertebrates, plants and carrion (Nowak, 1999). The hairy armadillo burrows under carcasses to obtain maggots and grubs. During the winter over half its food consumption consists of vegetation (Nowak, 1999). However, the majority of the year they feed on a variety of small vertebrates, rodents, lizards, etc. (Nixon, 2001).

The hairy armadillo is an efficient burrower, which helps it escape predators (Nowak, 1999). C. villosus is preyed upon most often by canines, aves, and humans (Nixon, 2001). When threatened, the armadillo draws its feet under its body and flattens its body to the ground, leaving only its armor exposed.

Chaetophractus villosus is hunted for food by humans.

Chaetophractus villosus burrow extensively and can cause damage to crops (Nowak, 1999).