Armadillo

The armadillo is a small mammal most known for having a bony armor

shell.

http://www.wikipedia.com/images/uploads/armadillo.jpg

Public domain picture from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The average size is about

30 inches (75 cm) total length including tail.

It is a placental mammal of the order Xenarthra, related to the anteater.

It is native to North and South America, and inhabits a variety of environments. In the U.S.A., it is most common in the warmer states, particularly Texas.

The armadillo eats mostly insects, grubs, and other invertebrates.

The armadillo is a prolific digger, and uses its sharp claws to burrow both

to feed on grubs and to dig dens.

It's main defense is it's armor-like outer skin. When threatened by a predator, the armadillo will roll up into a ball.

Armadillos are often used in the study of leprosy, since they are one of the only other animal species that can contract the disease. They are particularly susceptible due to their unusually low body temperatures, which is hospitable to the leprosy bacterium.