Nine-banded Armadillo

Description:

Nine-banded armadillos generally weigh from 2.5–6.5 kg (5.5–14 lb), though the largest specimens can scale up to 10 kg (22 lb). They are one of the largest species of armadillo. The outer shell is composed of ossified dermal scutes covered by nonoverlapping, keratinized epidermal scales, which are connected by flexible bands of skin. This armor covers the back, sides, head, tail, and outside surfaces of the legs. The underside of the body and the inner surfaces of the legs have no armored protection. Instead, they are covered by tough skin and a layer of coarse hair.

Habitat:

LISDOLA (Lewisville Independent School District Outdoor Learning Area) is an eighty-acre tract of land located on the south side of Lake Lewisville Dam in Denton County. The landscape boasts wetlands, forests, fields, rivers and streams and contains approximately five miles of hiking trails. The outdoor learning area was created in the fall of 1999 when the school district erected two portable classrooms.