They also have massive claws to help them dig. Like other armadillos, the Pink Fairy Armadillo has fur under its carapace to keep it warm. Fossorial means they are diggers and spend much of their lives digging to find insects, their main food source, and living underground. Scientists believe their “fossorial” lifestyle is a main reason for this adaptation. Their basal metabolic rates are 40 to 60% lower than that of other mammals. Average body temperatures are 93 F (34 C) for most species. Armadillos as a whole have lower metabolisms and lower body temperatures compared to other mammals. The blood flow to this area assists the armadillo in maintaining body temperature.
Pink fairy armadillo series#
The pink coloration in this species is due to a series of blood vessels running along its carapace. Much of what we know we take from other species of armadillo and assume the Pink Fairy Armadillo follows suit. It represents an opportunity for any young scientist wanting to study a unique species. Like their history, not much is know about Pink Fairy Armadillos. Their biggest threat now is loss of habitat and climate change. They are now located in central Argentina. Not much is known specifically about Pink Fairy Armadillo’s history. When South America joined up around 3 million years ago, armadillos pushed north through Central and then eventually North America. The first armadillo like creature first evolved 32 million years ago. The armadillo is thought to have an ancient ancestor around 60 million years ago. It was not until around 3 million years ago when the isthmus of Central America joined with South America did animals then have a chance to interact with others from around the planet. The animals there then evolved away from any other influenced for the next 125+ million years. Nearly 130 million years ago South America was isolated from the rest of the land masses around the planet. Their species name is Chlamyphorus truncatus.Īrmadillos evolved in South America. The Pink Fairy Armadillo belongs to the family Chlamyphoridae. Outside of armadillos, there are no other species within that order. Of the 20-21 species of armadillo, the Pink Fairy is the smallest. The Pink Fairy Armadillo is from the Order Cingulata, which includes all armadillos. While we do not have hard data on this little animal, data indicates they may be endangered and heading towards extinction. We had another fun week covering an obscure species in dire need. While their physiology may seem bizarre, for millions of years the Pink Fairy Armadillo has survived for thousands and thousands of years. Weighing less than 120 grams and at less than 5 inches in length, this armadillo has carved its niche in central Argentina. This cute little creature, the Pink Fairy Armadillo is from South America. We have covered some strange and exotic animals and this one is near the top of the list.
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