186 



DASYPUS. ARMADILLO. 



Generic Character 



Dentes molares plures, absque 

 primoribus, absque lani- 

 ariis. 



Corpus cataphractum testa os- 

 sea zonis intersecta. 



Grinders several, without ei- 

 ther cutting or canine teeth. 



Body coated with a shelly ar- 

 mour, divided into zones. 



Ti 



HE Armadillos are natives of South America, 

 and are readily distinguished from all other Qua- 

 drupeds by the singular covering with which Na- 

 ture has ornamented them ; and which forms a 

 complete suit of armour, divided into bands or 

 shelly zones, in such a manner as to accommo- 

 date itself to the various postures of the body; 

 and exhibiting a most beautiful example of devia- 

 tion from the general structure and appearance in 

 quadrupeds. The Armadillos are innoxious ani- 

 mals, and inhabit subterraneous retreats or bur- 

 rows, which they readily excavate by means of 

 their large and strong claws. They wander about 

 chiefly by night, and devour various roots and 

 grain; and are, therefore, considered as injurious 

 to plantations. They also occasionally prey on the 

 smaller animals of different kinds ; worms, insects, 



