By Brittany Bird
Geographic Range
South America east of the Andes mountains in dry savannahs or in parts of wet savannahs. Their burrows are typically located in grasslands.
Biogeographic Regions:
neotropical 
(native ).
Habitat
Euphractus sexcinctus inhabits South American savannahs, preferring (but not limited to) drier areas.
Terrestrial Biomes:
savanna or grassland .
Physical Description
(11 lbs)
On average, an adult measures 406mm from head to body and has a tail 2/3 as long. These armadillos are distinguished by their pointed and flattened heads, which are covered by large plates arranged in a distinctive pattern. Their body consists of 6-8 moveable bands, which are covered with thin grey-brown hair. They have 5 toes, and their claws are well developed for digging and constructing burrows.
Some key physical features:
endothermic ; bilateral symmetry .
Reproduction
The female usually gives birth to a litter of 1-3 (both male and female) baby armadillos in a nest that she has built herself. These babies may be born anytime during the year after a gestation period of 60-64 days. There is a possibility of a time delay between fertilization and the implantation of the egg in the wall of the female's uterus. Babies weigh about 95-115 grams at birth and their eyes open after 22-25 days. During the first month of their lives, the babies quadruple their weight and by the end of the month are able to consume solid foods. Within nine months the baby armadillo matures into an adult.
Key reproductive features:
gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual .
Behavior
Euphractus sexcinctus live in self-dug burrows in the savannahs of South America. Their burrows are characterized by a single, inverted, u-shaped entrance. This particular species gives off a characteristic odor from scent glands located at the base of their tails. These scents are used to mark their territories. Euphractus are largely diurnal but occasionally come out at night. If threatened by conspecifics, they fight amongst themselves with their teeth and claws. If a mother's young are disturbed she will act aggressively and try to hide or move them to a safer location. However, these armadillos are mainly timid animals generally run to escape predators rather than stay and fight. They are good swimmers and stay afloat by swallowing air. Bouyancy in the water is also aided by the armadillos good fat storing ability, which is believed to be related to seasonal scarcity of food.
Key behaviors:
motile .
Food Habits
Euphractus sexcinctus is omnivorous. Plant material(including bromeliad fruit, tubers, palm nuts) composes 90% of the diet. Insects such as ants and termites, carrion, and small vertebrates such as frogs are also consumed. These armadillos have been observed to feed on dead carcasses by standing on them and ripping off pieces held in their jaws.
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
Euphractus sexcinctus may damage sprouting corn.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
A small number of E. sexcinctus are hunted and killed for thier meat in northeastern Brazil. In addition to being used in a small scale meat market. the armadillos are killed for their tails, which are used by Argentinian Indians for carrying their firemaking tools.
Conservation Status
Although E. sexcinctus is not given any special status as an endangered or threatened species, it is important to note that they are often trapped and killed by farmers because of the armadillo's love for sprouting corn shoots.
Other Comments
Euphractus sexcinctus can live up to 15 1/2 years.
Contributors
Brittany Bird (author), University of Michigan.
