Found in Central America and the northern parts of South America, its range stretches from southern Mexico and Guatemala down through Colombia and Venezuela. Unlike the more familiar nine-banded armadillo, this species is a true subterranean specialist, living much of its life underground and only rarely emerging—earning it a reputation as one of the least-studied armadillos on Earth.
Its most distinctive feature is, of course, its naked, scaly tail, which looks reptilian compared to the hairy or armored tails of other armadillos. Its body is covered in flexible bony plates that are less rigid than those of larger relatives, giving it better maneuverability while digging. The claws on its forelimbs are oversized and curved, perfectly designed for tearing through soil and breaking into termite mounds. Combined with its compact build and strong muscles, these traits make it a highly efficient burrower.
This species is primarily insectivorous, feeding heavily on ants and termites. Its powerful claws and sensitive snout help it locate insect colonies underground, where it can feed in safety. By consuming these insects, the northern naked-tailed armadillo plays a valuable role in regulating populations of potential pests. But because it spends so much time underground, observing its foraging habits in the wild is rare, and much of what scientists know comes from indirect evidence, like burrow sightings and remains of insect mounds.
The northern naked-tailed armadillo is thought to be mostly solitary and nocturnal, spending the day hidden in burrows and only coming out at night to forage. It does not wander far from its tunnels, and when threatened, it can quickly vanish into the soil, almost like it is “swimming” underground. Its reproductive behavior is also poorly studied, but like other armadillos, females are believed to produce a small number of well-developed young that are cared for in burrows.
Distribution
Belize
Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
