Tolypeutes matacus Skull Replica measures 2.5 inches. Tolypeutes matacus Skull is museum quality polyurethane cast. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Made in USA. Known as the Three Banded Armadillo.
Tolypeutes matacus is found in South America: north central Argentina, east central Bolivia and sections of Brazil and Paraguay. This species is found mainly in the grasslands or marshes near dry forests or savannah areas.
The southern three-banded armadillo and the other member of the genus Tolypeutes, the Brazilian three-banded armadillo, are the only species of armadillos capable of rolling into a complete ball to defend themselves.
The three characteristic bands that cover the back of the animal allow it enough flexibility to fit its tail and head together, allowing it to protect its underbelly, limbs, eyes, nose and ears from predators.
The shell covering its body is armored and the outer layer is made out of keratin, the same protein that builds human fingernails.
Tolypeutes matacus total body length is around 300mm with a tail length of 64mm. They are dark brown and heavily armored with a thick, leathery shell that is usually segmented into 3 bands.
Their armor covers the tail, head, feet, and back of the animal. The tail is very stout and immobile. The middle three toes on the back feet are grown together and have a thick claw. The forefeet toes are separated and have 4 claws.
Tolypeutes matacus is peculiar amoung armadillos for its rolling behavior. It can completely close its shell around its entire body. Usually it leaves a small space between a section of its armor, which it forcefully closes on the hand, finger, or paw of a would-be predator.
Their shell is also very efficient at trapping air, which is warmed by body heat, and thus conserves heat loss.
Tolypeutes matacus are usually solitary but occasionally group together during cold weather.
The Southern three-banded armadillo reaches sexual maturity at 9-12 months of age. Most of the young are born from November-January but births have been reported throughout the year, indicating that there is no distinct breeding season.
The single young are born blind but quickly develop the ability to close their shells and walk. They are no longer dependent on their mothers after 72 days.
They do not dig burrows of their own but use abandoned anteater burrows, or they make their dens under dense vegetation.
Tolypeutes matacus eats mainly ants and termites. They use their strong legs and large claws to dig through insect colonies or under bark to get to their food.
Armadillos tend to have extremely poor eyesight, their hunting skills rely on their abilities to smell their food.
