Three-banded armadillo

The "Southern Three-banded Armadillo", Tolypeutes matacus, also called the La Plata Three Banded Armadillo is an armadillo species from South America. Its range is extensive; it is found throughout Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. The Southern Three-banded Armadillo along with the other member of the genus Tolypeutes, the Brazilian Three-banded Armadillo, is the only species of armadillo capable of rolling into a complete ball to defend itself. The three characteristic bands that cover the back of the animal allow it enough flexibility to fit its tail and head together, allowing it to protect its underbelly, limbs, eyes, nose and ears from predators. The shell covering its body is armored and the outer layer is made out of keratin, the same component that builds human fingernails. They are typically a yellow or brownish colors and are smaller than many other species of armadillos, ranging in size from about 9 to 13 inches when full grown. The Three-banded Armadillo has a long, sticky, straw-like pink tongue that allows it to gather up and eat many different species of insects, typically ants and termites. In captivity, armadillos also eat foods such as fruits, vegetables, and varieties of chows.