Nine-banded armadillo pictures and facts

The most widespread of the armadillo's, the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), can be found in North America, Central America and South America. Despite its name, NINE-banded armadillo, it can have between 7 to 11 bands. They become active during the night and at twilight or before sunrise. Contrary to popular belief, nine-banded armadillos do not curl up into a ball when threatened, but outrun their predators. It as an omnivorous creature, but basically eats ants, beetles, other artropods, small reptiles and amphibians. Armadillos have proven valuable for use in medical research on multiple births, organ transplants, birth defects and diseases.