Tolypeutes matacus
southern three-banded armadillo

South America: north central Argentina, east central Bolivia and sections of Brazil and Paraguay.

This species is found mainly in the grasslands or marshes near dry forests or savannah areas.

Total body length is around 300mm with a tail length of 64mm. They are dark brown and heavely armored with a thick, leathery shell that is usually segmented into 3 bands. This armor covers the tail, head, feet, and back of the animal. The tail is very stout and immobile. The middle three toes on the back feet are grown together and have a thick claw. The forefeet toes are seperated and have 4 claws.

The southern three-banded armadillo reaches sexual maturity at 9-12 months of age. Most of the young are born from November-January but births have been reported throughout the year, indicating that there is no distinct breeding season. The single young are born blind but quickly develop the ability to close their shells and walk. They are no longer dependent on their mothers after 72 days.

The southern three-banded armadillo is peculiar amoung armadillos for its rolling behavior. It can completely close its shell around its entire body. Usually it leaves a small space between a section of its armor, which it forcefully closes on the hand, finger, or paw of a would-be predator. This shell is also very efficient at trapping air, which is warmed by body heat, and thus conserves heat loss. Three-banded armadillos are usually solitary but occasionally group together during cold weather. They do not dig burrows of their own but use abandoned anteater burrows, or they make their dens under dense vegetation.

This species of armadillo eats mainly ants and termites. They use their strong legs and large claws to dig through insect colonies or under bark to get to their food.

This species is hunted throughout its range for its meat and is an important food source in some areas.

No documented examples.

They do not appear to be declining at a threatening rate.

This species of armadillo is easily caught by hand. Its genetic makeup is very different from most armadillos.