Vol. 13 No. 3 (2022)

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is possibly the most widely distributed dasipodid founding from North America to South America, and belongs to the Cingulata order. It is characterized by the presence of dermal shields that cover its entire body and are flexible in order to roll up itself for protection of its predators. The pattern of dermal shields is used as a characteristic of the different genera. It has big claws useful for dig its dens.  In addition to its ecological importance, because its diet is omnivorous. Specially in Mexico, this species has several uses, the two most common are the consumption of its meat and the use of its shell, among other things for musical instruments or bags (photo taken by Sergio Ticul Álvarez- Castañeda).