#priodontes

[daily-xenarthra-posting]

Giant Armadillo, photographed by Kevin Schafer, (source)

[daily-xenarthra-posting]

Giant Armadillo, photographed by André Borges, (source)

[mammalianmammals]

Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus), family Chlamyphoridae, found in northern central South America

The largest species of armadillo, weighing up to  80 kg (180 lb), and reaching a length of up to 100 cm (39 in) (length w/o tail).

photograph by ICAS 2023

[astronomy-to-zoology]

 Giant Armadillo 

(Priodontes maximus)

Is the largest species of armadillo (not anteater) alive today at around 50 cm long and 180lb and having 11-13 plates. found in most of south america excluding the grasslands of Patagonia. they use their large frontal claws to dig through soil for small food items and to dig a shelter which it keeps for 2-3 weeks and then moves on.

Phylogeny 

Animalia-Chordata-Mammalia-Cingulata-Dasypodidae-Tolypenutinae-Priodontes