The Little Armored One
The armadillo is a peculiar-looking animal. Its unusual appearance is more like that of a dinosaur that of a mammal living today. In fact, the armadillo is a cousin to some prehistoric animals. However, the armadillo is in little danger of going the way of its extinct relatives. The armadillo population is growing, and the armadillo is actually extending the range of places where it lives. Formerly found mainly in Mexico and South America, this fascinating animal traveled north and east and now lives in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Its range is limited only by the frost line, for the armadillo is not suited to cold weather.
The word armadillo is Spanish for “little armored one”. The animal gets its name from its outer shell. This armored shell is made up of separate plates, which allow the armadillo to curl up into a tight ball and protect its soft underbelly if threatened. This response is a last resort, for the armadillo can elude its enemies. It is a very fast runner and strong digger; if it does not outrun its enemies, it can usually burrow to safety.
The little armored one is not a fussy eater. It likes to eat such delicacies as angleworms and cutworms. It has poor vision, so it uses its sharp sense of smell to sniff the bugs out and then digs for them with its nose. The armadillo’s appetite is immense. An armadillo can eat more than 100 cutworms in a single day. Some people believe the effectiveness of the little armored one as a pest controller can outweigh any negative effect its digging may have on garden crops.
One of the most unusual characteristics of the armadillo is the way it crosses water. Since it can hold its breath for as long as six minutes, the armadillo will walk across the bottom of a narrow stream or river. It crosses wider rivers by swallowing air into its stomach and intestines and then floating or paddling across. If the river is moving fast, the little animal will grab hold of pieces floating wood to help get it to the other side of the river.
The armadillo is harmless and beneficial, interesting and unusual. Some of the characteristics that make it different from other animals have also helped the armadillo to thrive.
Taken from Texas Assessment of Academic Skills, 1996, Grade 5