• The armadillo, not much bigger than a lunchbox, is covered with platelets on its midsection, has hornlike skin, stiff hoods on its shoulders and hips, and additional protection on its face, tail, and feet.
• Armadillo means "armed" in Spanish, and the animal's natural armor gives it a weight of about 17 pounds.
• The armadillo eats ants and other ground insects and is classified as a meat-eater. Its official name is Dasypus Novemcinctus.
• Most armadillos cannot roll themselves into a ball for protection. Only the three-banded armadillo is capable of this.
• Although armadillos do not have the best eye-sight, they are not blind as many believe. They rely mainly on their sense of smell and hearing to find food.
• Armadillos are very good swimmers both above and under water.
• Armadillos produce minimal body heat. Cold weather can quickly cause frostbite or even death.