In
the United States, the sole resident armadillo
is the Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus),
which is most common in the central southernmost
states, particularly Texas. Their range is as
far east as South Carolina and Florida and as
far north as Nebraska; they have been consistently
expanding their range over the last century due
to a lack of natural predators. Armadillos are
prolific diggers. Many species use their sharp
claws to dig for food, such as grubs, and to dig
dens. The Nine-banded Armadillo prefers to build
burrows in moist soil near the creeks, streams,
and arroyos around which it lives and feeds. The
diet of different armadillo species varies, but
consists mainly of insects, grubs, and other invertebrates.
Some species, however, are almost entirely formicivorous
(feeding mainly on ants). |
