I have armadillos in my yard at night, makes the dogs bark like crazy, ever seen one?
Yes, those little creatures with leather-like armored shells are creepy!
They are a nuisance but Armadillos are often used in the study of leprosy
Yes, I heard that. They are actually only native to America!
They are particularly susceptible due to their unusually low body temperature, which is hospitable to the leprosy bacterium
leathery armour shell and long sharp claws for digging. They have short legs, but can move quite quickly. The average length of an armadillo is about , including tail. The giant armadillo grows up to and weighs up to , while the pink fairy armadillo has a length of only . When threatened by a predator, Tolypeutes species frequently roll up into a ball.
Etymology.
The word "armadillo" means "little armoured one" in Spanish. The Aztecs called them "āyōtōchtli" , Nahuatl for "turtle
, leathery skin which hardens within a few weeks. They reach sexual maturity in three to twelve months, depending on the species. Armadillos are solitary animals that do not share their burrows with other adults.
Armadillos and humans.
Armadillos and humans In science.
Armadillos and humans In science Disease.
Armadillos are often used in the study of leprosy, since they, along with mangabey monkeys, rabbits, and mice (on their footpads), are among the few known species that can contract the disease systemically. They are