DASYPODID& 1 9 5 



monophyodont, but in one genus (Tatusiii) a succession of teeth has 

 been observed. Zygomatic arch of skull complete. Cervical vertebrae 

 with extremely short, broad, and depressed bodies. The atlas free, 

 but the second and third, and often several of the others, anky- 

 losed together both by their bodies and arches. Lumbar vertebras 

 with accessory zygomatic processes, and very large metapophyses, 

 supporting the bony carapace. Clavicles well developed. A third 

 trochanter on the femur. Tibia and fibula ankylosed at their distal 

 extremities. Fore feet with strongly developed, curved claws, 

 adapted for digging and scratching three, four, or five in number. 

 Hind feet plantigrade, with five toes, all provided with nails. 

 Tongue long, pointed, and extensile, though to a less degree than 

 in the Anteaters. Submaxillary glands largely developed. Stomach 

 simple. Uterus simple. Placenta discoidal, deciduate. The brain 

 is generally characterised by the large size of the olfactory lobes 

 (Fig. 57), and the slight development of sulci on the hemi- 

 spheres ; the sylvian fissure being represented only by a very open 

 and shallow angle. From the earliest stage of development the 

 stapes is stirrup-shaped, thus showing a nearer affinity to the higher 

 mammals than is presented by the Sloths. 



The animals of this family are commonly called Armadillos, 

 a word of Spanish origin, having reference to their armour -like 

 covering. The existing species are all of small or moderate size. 

 They are mostly, though not universally, nocturnal in their 

 habits, and are all omnivorous, feeding on roots, insects, worms, 

 reptiles, and carrion. Armadillos are harmless and inoffensive 

 creatures, offering no resistance when caught, their principal means of 

 escape from their enemies being the extraordinary rapidity with which 

 they can burrow in the ground, and the tenacity with which they re- 

 tain their hold in their subterranean retreats. Notwithstanding the 

 shortness of their limbs they can run with great rapidity. Most of 

 the species are esteemed good eating by the natives of the countries 

 in which they live. They are all inhabitants of the open plains or 

 the forests of the tropical and temperate parts of South America, 

 with the exception of one species (Tatusia novem-cincta), which 

 ranges as far north as Texas. Of the existing genera, Chlamy- 

 dophorus stands apart from the rest in the formation of its external 

 covering ; but in all other respects Tatusia is the most aberrant 

 form, exhibiting a peculiar type of structure of the fore feet, which 

 in all the others show modifications, though in very varying degrees, 

 of a single and different type. 



The reproductive organs of the Dasypodidce differ from those of 

 the Sloths and Armadillos in the presence of a largely developed 

 copulating organ in the male, and of a simple vagina of correspond- 

 ing length in the female. "The testes are still abdominal, although 

 not in the same position ; and the penis s,till wants both the glans 



