Large hairy armadillo  (Chaetophractus villosus)

Description

The largest representative of the genus Chaetophractus (2), the large hairy armadillo is the most common armadillo species in Argentina (1). Like all armadillos, the body and head of this species are extensively armoured with thick bony plates (3), with the head plate being particularly large (2).The central portion of the body shell is divided by bands of skin that provide flexibility to the otherwise rigid upperparts (3). More hairy than most armadillo species (hence its common name), the underparts of this species are densely covered with whitish or light brown hairs, while long, coarse hairs project from the body armour plates (3).

Darwin Now is the British Council's contribution to the international celebration of the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150 year anniversary of the publication of On The Origin of Species
left