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The Pink Fairy Armadillo (Chlamyphorus truncatus) or Pichiciego is the smallest species of armadillo (mammals of the family Dasypodidae, mostly known for having a bony armor shell).
The Pink Fairy Armadillo is approximately 90–115 mm (3½-4½ inches) long excluding the tail, and is pale rose or pink in color. It is found in central Argentina where it inhabits dry grasslands and sandy plains with thorn bushes and cacti. It has the ability to bury itself completely in a matter of seconds if frightened.
The Pink Fairy Armadillo burrows small holes near ant colonies in dry dirt. It feeds mainly on ants and ant larvae near its burrow. Occasionally it feeds on worms, snails, insects and larvae, or various plant and root material. The Pink Fairy Armadillo spends much of its time under the ground as it is a "sand swimmer" similar to the Golden Mole or the Marsupial Mole. They use large front claws to agitate the sand, allowing them to almost swim through the ground like it is water. It is torpedo-shaped and has a shielded head to prevent abrasion from the sand.
[edit] References
- ^ Gardner, Alfred (November 16, 2005). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 96. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3.
- ^ Superina, M., Abba, A., Vizcaino, S., Porini, G., Meritt, D. & Memberse of the IUCN SSC Edentate Specialist Group (2008). Chlamyphorus truncatus. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2008. Retrieved on 30 December 2008.
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