Tolypeutes matacus (MSB:Mamm:328891)

3D Model

The southern three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus) occurs in the semi-arid Cerrado and Dry Chaco regions of central South America. Like other armadillos it is insectivorous, armed with large digging claws and a long sticky tongue it is primarily an ant and termite specialist.

It’s claim to fame is its unique predator avoidance strategy, the ability to completely close its carapace around its body to transform itself into a nearly impenetrable armored ball.

Other resources:

• VIDEO: Armadillo rolls into a ball
• Animal Diversity Web
• Fauna Paraguay
• Wikipedia

Specimen:

MSB:Mamm:328891 (Division of Mammals, Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico)