ARMADILLO 



Tatu novemcinctum. 



This single representative of a well-known South American 

 family is found in our country on the dry plains of Texas and Ari- 

 zona where its range extends south beyond our borders. Like the 

 porcupine, it furnishes a noteworthy illustration of Nature's pro- 

 tective methods. The body is completely encased in a coat of ar- 

 mored mail, presenting an almost invulnerable surface to an enemy. 

 In our species this hard, bony shield comprises three distinct por- 

 tions ; a solid covering over the shoulders, into which the head and 

 fore feet may be drawn, a second similar one over the hind quarters, 

 which likewise protects the hind feet ; between and connected with 

 these two, as well as with one another, are parallel rows of bony 

 scales, running across the body. The number of these bands is 



227 



