| type | Status | Habitat |
 |
 |
 |
|
MAMMALS |
THREATENED |
SOUTH-AMERICA |
 three-banded armadillos includes parts of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. They live in open, grassy areas, open forests and marshes. |
 In the wild they feed primarily on ants and termites, which they obtain using their powerful forelegs and claws. |
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The "armor" isn't the only protection this armadillo has from predators. When a frightened three-banded armadillo curls up into a ball, it often leaves a space open. If a predator puts a paw or nose into that space to try to pry the armadillo open, the little animal slams its shell shut-ouch!
Three-banded armadillos can be found in eastern Bolivia, southwestern Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Armadillos are the only mammals covered by a shell. But it's different from a seashell or a tortoise shell. An armadillo's shell is made up of bony plates covered by thick, hard skin.
A three-banded armadillo uses its long, sharp front claws to dig into termite mounds to feast on the insects inside. It also uses them to break open tree bark to snack on beetle larvae hiding inside. Those claws are terrific tools!