Tuesday 18 June Large hairy armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus)
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factsheet Large hairy armadillo description The largest
representative of the genus Chaetophractus (2), the large hairy
armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus) is the most common armadillo
species in Argentina (1). Like all armadillos, the body and head
of this species are extensively armoured with thick bony plates
(3), with the head plate being particularly large (2).The
central portion of the body shell is divided by bands of skin
that provide flexibility to the otherwise rigid upperparts (3).
More hairy than most armadillo species (hence its common name),
the underparts of this species are densely covered with whitish
or light brown hairs, while long, coarse hairs project from the
body armour plates (3). - Head-body length: 261 – 344 cm (2)
Large hairy armadillo biology A powerful digger (3), the large
hairy armadillo either builds simple burrows for temporary
shelter or more complex branchi