They are usually grey or brown in color, but can also be pink, red or yellow, too. They look a bit like armored opossums (although they are unrelated) and have pointed snouts, short yet strong legs, a long tail, sharp claws, and big ears. Giant armadillos also have up to 100 teeth and six-inch claws. The smallest species of armadillo is the pink fairy, and the largest species is the giant armadillo.
With 21 different species, they come in all shapes and sizes! Different species can range in weight from 4kg – 30kg (9lbs – 66lbs) and lengths of 36cm – 75cm (14in – 30in). The name ‘armadillo’ means “little armored one” in Spanish, and there’s a lot to learn about these creatures. It is also distantly related to the anteater and sloth. Only one genus of Dasypodidae remains, though it contains the widespread nine-banded armadillo. Of the two families, Chlamyphoridae is the most populated. There are two main families of armadillos: Dasypodidae and Chlamyphoridae, with subfamilies of each. There are nine extinct types, and 21 extant species, all native to the Americas.
#PET ARMADILLO FULL#
The armadillo is the only mammal to have a full developed shell, and types of armadillos can be distinguished from each other by the number of rings on their shell. The scientific name for Armadillo is Dasypodidae. With a natural defense system in place, the armadillo has been able to thrive for millions of years and can be found in the western hemisphere, in North, South and Central America.
They may also fail to thrive as a result of improper post-capture treatment.Armadillos are mammals of the order Cingulata and family Dasypodidae, and are best known for having their very own protective, hard shell armor. They could be infected with bacteria or viruses that can spread to other reptiles in your home. Parasites are common in wild-caught armadillo lizards when they arrive in their new habitats. Although you will likely find a wild-caught armadillo lizard cheaper than one that is captive-bred, in addition to legal issues, they come with health issues. While there are some captive-bred armadillo lizards available, this is a species that is harder to find compared to more popular pet lizards.īecause it's illegal to export armadillo lizards from their native habitats, it's morally and ethically important to ensure your armadillo lizard was captive-bred. Currently, their official status is "least concern," but it is illegal to trade in armadillo lizards in South Africa, which can affect their availability in the pet trade.
Always provide fresh, purified water that has been treated to remove chlorination.Īrmadillo lizards at one time were in danger of extinction in their native South Africa and were officially listed as a vulnerable species in their home country until the 1990s. The dish must be shallow because these lizards tend to get into their water bowls, and if the water is too deep or it is too difficult to exit, the lizards may drown. include a very shallow bowl with low sides in their enclosure. These lizards need access to fresh water. Also, note that, though they are popular with other lizards, you should not feed mealworms to an armadillo lizard. Stick with live insects for this species. Although armadillo lizards sometimes consume plant matter in the wild, this does not make a substantial portion of their diet. Adults should be fed roughly three times per week, and younger lizards should be fed daily until they reach adult size.Īcceptable insects are small crickets dusted with calcium powder, dubia roaches, super worms, wax worms, silkworms, and bee moth larvae. Adult lizards can also eat pinky feeder mice. Armadillo lizards are insectivores and should be fed a diet composed insects that are properly dusted every other day with a calcium powder and vitamin D3 supplement.