186 
DASYPUS. ARMADILLO. 
Generic Character, 
Denies 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. 
The 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 claAvs. 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^ 
