Pocket Dinosaur and Texas Speed Bump:
What You Need to Know about the Nine-Banded Armadillo
One early morning, I spotted an armadillo roaming through the meadow behind my house. I’ve only seen one since moving to Sun City, but we are honored to host the small state mammal of Texas right here in our community. I’ve also encountered them on camping trips quietly scavenging for scraps after the campfire is out and digging in my watered lawn in Bryan-College Station when the sprinklers were running in the evenings. I have always enjoyed watching these unusual critters—so ugly, they are cute! Apparently, I am not the only fan.
A State Legend
The armadillo (Spanish word meaning “little armored one”) was adopted as the Texas small state mammal on June 16, 1995. Elementary school children participated in a mock election; the winners were tied for both the longhorn and the armadillo, so the large state mammal is the longhorn and the small state mammal is the armadillo . Legislation describes the armadillo as an animal that “possesses many remarkable and unique traits, some of which parallel the attributes that distinguish a true Texan, such as a deep respect and need for the land, the ability to change and adapt, and a fierce undying love for freedom.” You can also find Armadillo races throughout the Lone Star State, as near as Austin and New Braunfels Kraus’ Café and Biergarten.
Armadillo Facts
The familiar nine-banded armadillo is the only species in the United States and Texas, and migrated from Latin America. Recent research suggests that armadillos are related to glyptodons, large armored mammals which became extinct at the end of the last ice age. Armadillos are the only animals other than humans that can contract leprosy, but according to the CDC, 95% of the population is immune to the leprosy bacteria, so if you do not touch or eat Armadillo meat, the risk of infection is very low. Mostly nocturnal, they eat ants, termites, worms, grubs, and pretty much any other invertebrates that can be unearthed by burrowing into the soil. They have notoriously poor eyesight, but a keen sense of smell and hearing and their claws are strong for digging. The plates of the armadillo are made of bone, and protect them from being easily eaten by their natural predators including coyotes, cougars, bobcats, hawks and eagles. In fact, most nine-banders are killed by humans, either on purpose (for their meat) or accidentally (by speeding cars). Armadillos are unique—they don’t have hair like other mammals and produce quadruplets. They also like to swim and can walk four to six minutes underwater in streams and ponds. They gulp air and are then able to float.
Good or Bad Traits
Armadillos are most entirely beneficial animals as they eat many unwanted insects, such as ants and other pests that can be harmful to you or your landscape including spiders, scorpions and fire ants! The scarab beetle which is their favorite food, is responsible for heavy crop damage and armadillos actually help farmers in keeping healthy crops. They can on occasion become a nuisance by digging in lawns, golf courses, vegetable gardens and flower beds in search for food. However, if you manage insect infestation in your lawn, they should go elsewhere looking for a snack. Fencing can also help.
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“Armadillos.” National Geographic. n.d.
James, Robin. “Fourteen Eye Opening Facts about Armadillos.” FactCity, 19 October 2020
“Managing Armadillo Damage.” Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service—Wildlife Services. https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/wildlife-nature-environment/managing-armadillo-damage/
“State Symbols.” Washington on the Brazos Blog Series. n.d. http://wheretexasbecametexas.org/state-small-mammal-armadillo
Strauss, Bob. “Ten Surprising Facts about Armadillos.” ThoughtCo., Updated 13 November 2019 https://www.thoughtco.com/10-facts-about-armadillos-4129503
Warren, Lynne. “No Joke.” National Wildlife Federation, 1 April 2019,
Article provided by Alison Henley
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