Armadillos, the unique mammals covered in a bony, segmented shell, are often associated with the American South. Their armor gives them their Spanish name, meaning “little armored one.” Armadillos do jump, but this action is an involuntary, sudden reflex rather than a standard form of locomotion.
The Startle Response: Why They Leap
The armadillo’s jump is triggered by an immediate, sudden threat, such as a loud noise or rapid movement, often because they lack excellent vision. This leap is remarkably powerful, allowing the armadillo to spring straight upward approximately 3 to 4 feet in the air.
The action is thought to be an evolutionary defense meant to startle a ground-level predator, giving the armadillo a crucial moment to flee or burrow. Unfortunately, this reflex often proves detrimental when encountering vehicles, as the animal jumps directly into the undercarriage of a passing car. The stiffened legs and sudden extension of the body create the force needed for the jump.
Which Species Exhibits This Behavior
The armadillo species known for this distinctive vertical leap is the Nine-banded Armadillo, or Dasypus novemcinctus. This is the sole armadillo species that has expanded its range into the United States, covering much of the Southeast and gradually moving northward. The species is named for the bands of flexible armor that allow it a degree of movement not shared by all armadillos.
This species is one of about twenty armadillo species found throughout the Americas, but the others do not share this specific reflexive jump. For instance, the Pink Fairy Armadillo and the Giant Armadillo rely on different tactics for defense.
Movement Beyond the Jump
While the vertical jump is a notable defense mechanism, the armadillo’s primary means of movement and protection are grounded in speed and digging. Despite their armored appearance, armadillos can move quickly, sprinting over short distances to evade danger. They typically rely on this burst of speed to reach the safety of a nearby burrow or dense cover.
Burrowing is the most effective defense for the Nine-banded Armadillo, which uses its strong claws to rapidly dig a shallow trench or lodge itself firmly within a pre-existing tunnel. Once inside a burrow, the animal arches its back and braces its armor against the walls, making it extremely difficult for a predator to dislodge. The common misconception that armadillos “roll into a ball” applies only to the three-banded armadillo species, which possesses different armor plating.
Armadillos are also capable in the water, able to cross streams and small rivers using two distinct methods. They can hold their breath for up to six minutes, allowing them to simply walk along the riverbed underwater. Alternatively, they can ingest air to inflate their stomach and intestines, increasing their buoyancy and allowing them to float across the surface.