Nine-banded Armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus

The Nine-banded Armadillo, also called the Nine-banded or Common Long-nosed Armadillo, has the largest range of all armadillos, being native to southern USA through to northern Argentina. It is adaptable to different habitats and has a number of subspecies.

Its topside is covered in bony plates for protection (usually but not always 9 bands). The colour varies from pale brown to charcoal grey. It is able to jump some 4 feet in the air.

They are mainly nocturnal and solitary insectivores. Their main predator is human, for food, shells, pets and by roadkill.