220 



EDENTATES. 



The teeth may be either nine in the upper and ten in the lower jaw, or one less in 

 each ; they are of large size, and the first upper pair are generally implanted in 

 the premaxillary bones. The figured species, which attains a length of about 16 

 inches, exclusive of the tail, inhabits Brazil and Paraguay; but is replaced in 

 Argentina by the closely allied peludo, or hairy armadillo (D. villosus). The 

 fleecy armadillo (D. vellerosus), from Argentina and the north of Patagonia, and 

 the pichi, or pigmy armadillo (D. minutus) of Argentina, are much smaller 

 forms ; of which the second is distinguished by the absence of any teeth in the 

 premaxillary bones. 



The different species of the genus vary somewhat in habits ; the 

 pichi being mainly diurnal, whil^ in the cultivated districts of 

 Argentina the peludo has become nocturnal. The pichi, according to Mr. Darwin, 



Habits. 



THE WEASEL-HEADED ARMADILLO (i nat. size). 



prefers a very dry soil; and the sand-dunes near the coast, where for many 

 months it can never taste water, are its favourite resort ; it often tries to escape 

 notice by squatting close to the ground. All of the species live in burrows, where 

 in winter or spring the young are born ; the number in a litter varying from two 

 to four, although the female has but a single pair of teats with which to afford 

 them nourishment. The young are born blind, but with their armour fully formed, 

 although soft and flexible. They grow with great rapidity, and remain for several 

 weeks in the burrows ; it is believed, however, that they are not suckled for any 

 very lengthened period, and that they soon learn to shift for themselves. The 

 armadillos of this genus are usually found alone ; and most of them feed chiefly on 

 ants and other insects, although they will also attack and devour small snakes. 

 On the other hand, the peludo is omnivorous. Dr. E. Peard writes that this species 

 " comes forth for a short time only by day ; on a moonlight night he may be met 



