10G 



SUBKIXGDOM VERTEBRATA. 



liy. 177. 



pointed, for digging in search of roots and worms, and for 



hiding from its enemies.* 



The Nine-banded Armadillo abounds in Central America, 



and is domesticated to clear the 

 houses of ants. The Mataco, or 

 Three-banded Armadillo, does 

 not burrow, but for defence rolls 

 itself into a ball. The Picliicia- 

 go resembles the mole in its 

 habits. Its short tail, flattened 

 at the end and bent under the 

 body, serves to throw the earth 

 backward when burro wing, f 



Dasfipus tricinctus, 

 Three-banded Armadillo. 



ffig. 178. 



, Pichiciago. J. 



wind when the branches are swaying toward one another. Their flesh is good eating 

 and they need all their agility to escape their numerous enemies. 



* Its legs are very strong, and Wood relates that he has seen an Armadillo run- 

 ning around with ease carrying three monkeys who had chosen to take a ride. When 

 caught, though so small, it will kick with great effect. Some varieties will burrow 

 HO fast that it is said the animal will sink out of sight before a man on horseback 

 seeing one can dismount and catch it. In Paraguay the natives detect the presence 

 of an Armadillo in its hole by thrusting down a stick, when, if it is there, a swarm 

 of mosquitoes will fly buzzing out. 



t The Armadillos are the true scavengers of the plains, speedily devouring the 

 carcasses of wild animals, and especially of such as have been slaughtered merely for 

 their hides. 



