Armadillos, specifically the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), live in Texas. These distinctive mammals, recognized by their unique bony shells, are common across much of the state. Their adaptability has allowed them to thrive in various Texas environments.
The Armadillo’s Range in Texas
The nine-banded armadillo is widespread throughout Texas. Historically, this species migrated from Mexico, crossing the Rio Grande in the late 19th century. By 1995, armadillos were established across Texas, becoming a part of its wildlife. Their distribution covers most of the state, excluding arid western Trans-Pecos regions where the soil is too hard for digging.
They are common in central and East Texas, found in diverse habitats like brush, woods, scrub, and grasslands. They expanded northward and eastward through the 20th century, reaching areas like Austin by the turn of the 20th century. They concentrate in areas with loose soil, which facilitates burrowing and foraging.
Understanding the Texas Armadillo
The nine-banded armadillo, North America’s sole armadillo species, has characteristics that help it thrive in Texas. Its most recognizable feature is the armored shell of bony plates, which protects it from predators. Despite its name, the number of bands on its armor can vary, typically ranging from seven to eleven.
Primarily insectivores, they use their keen sense of smell to locate food buried up to 8 inches deep. Their diet consists of insects and other invertebrates like grubs, beetles, ants, termites, and spiders. Armadillos are prolific diggers, using strong claws to create burrows for shelter and to find food.
While typically nocturnal, they may forage during the day in cooler weather, especially during winter. They maintain multiple burrows within their home range, sometimes as many as twelve, which can be several feet deep and long.
Coexisting with Armadillos
Their search for food, particularly grubs, often leads them to dig small, cone-shaped holes in lawns and gardens. While sometimes a nuisance to homeowners, this activity also contributes to natural pest control by reducing insect populations.
When startled, armadillos exhibit a distinctive defensive behavior, leaping straight into the air, often three to four feet high. This sudden jump, a natural reflex to evade predators, can lead to collisions with vehicles.
Generally solitary, they can adapt to suburban areas, especially those with loose soil. With poor eyesight, they rely on smell and hearing to navigate and find food. Armadillos are capable swimmers, able to hold their breath for several minutes to cross water bodies by floating or walking along the bottom. While they can carry the bacterium associated with leprosy, the risk of human transmission from casual contact is very low.