Mexican Long-nosed Armadillo

The Mexican long-nosed armadillo (Dasypus mexicanus) or northern nine-banded armadillo is a species of armadillo native to North and Central America. Until 2024, the species was considered a subspecies of the nine-banded armadillo classified as (Dasypus novemcinctus mexicanus). A study published in Systematic Biology reclassified it as a genetically distinct species. Its ancestors originated in South America and remained there until the formation of the Isthmus of Panama allowed them to enter North America as part of the Great American Interchange. The Mexican long-nosed armadillo is a solitary, mainly nocturnal animal, found in many kinds of habitats, from mature and secondary rainforests to grassland and dry scrub. It is an insectivore, feeding chiefly on ants, termites, and other small invertebrates. The armadillo can jump 91–120 cm (3–4 ft) straight in the air if sufficiently frightened, making it a particular danger on roads. It is the state small mammal of Texas. == Description == Adult Mexican long-nosed armadillo generally weigh from 6–9 lb (2.7–4.1 kg). Total length may be up to 32 in (81 cm). 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…