truncatus is classified as endangered by the IUCN and the USDI (1980), due to habitat reduction by agriculture and predation by domestic dogs. truncatus have ever survived more than four years in captivity. This desert-adapted animal is endemic to central Argentina and can be found inhabiting sandy plains, dunes, and scrubby grasslands. truncatus feeds primarily on ants and ant larvae they are also known to eat worms, snails, roots and other plant material. The lesser fairy armadillo ( Chlamyphorus truncatus) or pichiciego is the smallest species of armadillo (mammals of the familyDasypodidae, recognized by a bony armor shell), first described by R. truncatus will leave the burrow if it rains enough to moisten the soil. Burrows are often found near an anthill, preferably in dry soil that feels uncomfortably warm to the human hand. truncatus often uses the flat armor plate at the rear to plug the opening of the burrow, like a cork. When digging, the animal supports its hind end using the tail, and quickly throws dirt underneath and behind itself, using the front feet to pile up dirt beneath it and the hind feet to shove the dirt away. It can burrow rapidly enough to completely bury itself within seconds when threatened. truncatus is nocturnal, and sluggish except when burrowing. The pink fairy armadillo inhabits dry grasslands and sandy plains with thorn bushes and cactus. The tail cannot be raised, and as a result drags behind the animal as it walks. The tail is spatula-shaped, and protrudes from a notch in the rear plate. A bone plate in the shell at the rear of the animal is securely attached to the pelvic bones. truncatus is the only armadillo with the dorsal shell almost completely separated from the body. All bands of the shell across the neck and body move freely. The legs, undersides of the body and under the shell is covered with soft, fine white hairs. The shell is pale pink in color, anchored to two large, rough prominences in the bone above the eyes and by a narrow ridge of flesh along the spine. truncatus is the smallest of the armadillos. The pink fairy armadillo was previously considered to be closely related to the greater fairy armadillo ( Calyptophractus retusus) but more recent evidence has shown that the greater fairy armadillo deserves its own genus.Ĭhlamyphorus truncatus Pink Fairy Armadillo
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