Seven-banded armadillo standing on sand

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Xenarthra; Family: Dasypodidae; Genus: Dasypus; Genus species: Dasypus septemcincus. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 20-30.5 cm; Weight: 1.45-1.8 kg; Identification: The body of the seven-banded armadillo is entirely covered in cornfield plates. They usually have 6-7 mobile bands. Occasionally, there are eight mobile bands, attached to the pelvic shield and only mobile at the sides. The armor of the seven-banded armadillo is darker at the sides than the nine-banded species; Habitat: Open grasslands; Diet: Omnivore: larvae, worms, mushrooms and fruits; Reproduction: Gestation is usually about 140 days. There are 4-12 born per litter; Social Structure: The social structure of this armadillo is variable; sometimes they are solitary and other times they are found in groups; Behavior: The seven-banded armadillo is primarily nocturnal; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: All species of armadillo have lost their canine teeth through evolution. The enemies of the seven-banded armadillo include the maned dog and the coyote.