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, while in the cultivated districts of 
Argentina the peludo has become nocturnal. The pichi, according to Mr. Darwin, 
THE WEASEL-HEADED ARMADILLO (± Hat. 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 scpiatting 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 
