Dasypus

Dasypus hybridus (mulita)

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Dasypus kappleri

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Dasypus pilosus - Feijo et al 2018 holotype.

Dasypus sabanicola - Feijo et al 2018 holotype.

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Dasypus is a genus of armadillos, which is part of the family Dasypodidae. The name "Dasypus" is derived from the Greek words for "hairy" and "foot", although not all species within this genus have hairy feet. Armadillos are unique among other mammals due to their distinctive armor-like shell, which is made of bone covered in hard keratin plates. The most widely recognized and widespread species within this genus is the Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), which is found throughout North, Central, and South America.

Description

Members of the genus Dasypus possess a characteristic bony shell, composed of osteoderms, that covers their back, head, legs, and tail. This shell is divided into flexible bands that allow the animals some degree of movement. The number of these bands varies among species, which is a key feature in their identification. They have long, pointed snouts and small eyes, with limbs adapted for digging. Their diet primarily consists of insects, worms, and other invertebrates, which they locate with their keen sense of smell.

Habitat and Distribution

Dasypus armadillos inhabit a variety of environments, from rainforests and grasslands to semi-desert areas. They are predominantly found in the Americas, with their range extending from the southern United States down through Central and South America. The nine-banded armadillo has been expanding its range northward into the United States over the past century, likely due to changes in climate and habitat.

Behavior

Armadillos of the genus Dasypus are mostly nocturnal, although they may be active during the day in cooler weather. They are solitary animals that spend much of their time foraging for food. When threatened, some species can roll into a ball as a defensive mechanism, while others rely on their armored shell for protection as they flee to their burrows. They are proficient diggers, using their sharp claws to excavate burrows for shelter and to uncover food.

Reproduction

An interesting aspect of Dasypus biology is their reproductive system, particularly the phenomenon of polyembryony observed in the nine-banded armadillo. Females of this species can give birth to four genetically identical offspring from a single fertilized egg. This reproductive strategy is unique among mammals and contributes to their ability to rapidly increase their population under favorable conditions.

Conservation

While some species of Dasypus armadillos are common and not currently at risk, others are facing threats from habitat loss, hunting, and road mortality. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection and research to better understand their ecology and biology.

Species

The genus Dasypus includes several species, among them:

• Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
• Seven-banded armadillo (Dasypus septemcinctus)
• Southern long-nosed armadillo (Dasypus hybridus)
• Llanos long-nosed armadillo (Dasypus sabanicola)
• Yepes's mulita (Dasypus yepesi)

See Also

• Armadillo
• Mammal
• Keratin
• Osteoderm