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Pangolin vs. Armadillo: What’s the Difference?
Uncover the secrets of these armor-clad critters
Photo: Irina K. / Adobe Stock
Photo: Irina K. / Adobe Stock
Highlights
Pangolins and armadillos are distinct creatures from different backgrounds and regions.
The nine-banded armadillo is a familiar sight in the southeastern and south-central states.
Both animals dig, burrow, and have a taste for insects.
Armadillos can carry diseases and pose a health risk to humans.
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Pangolins and armadillos seem like first cousins thanks to their prehistoric, armor-like coverings. However, these animals hail from different ancestral roots and live on different continents. Here's what homeowners need to know when comparing the pangolin versus armadillo.
Key Differences Between Pangolins and Armadillos
Pangolins and armadillos are entirely different creatures with unique evolutionary backgrounds. Pangolins are surprisingly related to the Carnivora group, which includes cats, dogs, and bears. In contrast, armadillos share their lineage with anteaters and sloths.
Fun fact: Pangolins are the only mammal entirely covered in scales. These unique animals are native to Africa and Asia and thrive in diverse environments such as forests, savannas, and grasslands.
Armadillos, on the other hand, are native to the Americas. With about 20 species, they range from the southern United States to Argentina. The nine-banded armadillo is the only variety found in the U.S., particularly in the southeastern and south-central states like Florida and Texas. They primarily inhabit warm, temperate, and tropical regions, often creating burrows on properties similar to moles and voles.
| Aspect | Pangolins | Armadillos |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat | Africa, Asia; forests | Americas; warm regions |
| Size | 12 to 60 inches | 25 to 42 inches |
| Burrows | Deep, multi-chambered | Up to 7 ft deep, 20 ft long |
| Markers | Large keratin scales | Tough bony plates |
| Nocturnal | Yes | Mostly |
| Behavior | Digs for ants/termites | Burrows for insects |
| Disease | No known diseases | Leprosy and Chagas |
| Color | Brown, olive, golden | Gray, brown |
Pangolin vs. Armadillo: Differences in Appearance
Photo: 2630ben / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Differences in physical appearance make pangolins and armadillos easy to distinguish despite their similar armored exteriors.
Size
Depending on the species, pangolins can be 12 inches to 5 feet long and weigh 4 to 73 pounds.
Armadillos also have a broad size range among their species. The pink fairy armadillo can be as small as 5 to 6 inches long, while a giant armadillo grows to 5 feet long. The nine-banded armadillo measures 25 to 42 inches long, including the tail, and can weigh between 6 and 14 pounds.
Color
Pangolins sport a color palette ranging from brown to olive to golden, perfectly blending into the lush hues of their forest habitats. Armadillos don shades of gray and brown, allowing them to seamlessly blend into the earthy landscapes of the southern United States.
Features
While both critters have long tails and pointed snouts, the pangolin's heavily scaled tail provides protection against threats, a function not shared by the armadillo, which sports a shorter tail. Armadillos are more cylindrical, with rounded heads and pointy ears.
Armadillos and pangolins also have different protective armor. Pangolins are covered in large, overlapping scales made of keratin. In contrast, armadillos have bony plates covered with tough skin, known as osteoderms, which are segmented for flexibility and cover the back, head, legs, and tail.
Property Damage Differences
Pangolins are relatively benign when it comes to damage to wild habitats. They primarily dig small holes in search of ants and termites, which can benefit pest control. Their digging is minimal and unlikely to cause significant harm. However, they can be quite a nuisance in residential areas. They dig very deep burrows with many chambers to sleep in. They can also claw through concrete, damaging homes.
Armadillos are notorious for their destructive behaviors. They dig extensive burrows and tunnels, and their search for insects, grubs, and other small critters often leads to uprooted plants and unsightly holes across a yard. This burrowing behavior can be particularly troublesome for homeowners, as it can disrupt the aesthetic and structural integrity of gardens and lawns.
Health and Safety Differences
While pangolins are relatively harmless in terms of disease transmission to humans, armadillos are notorious for spreading certain diseases.
Most notably, they can carry the bacteria responsible for leprosy and the parasite that causes Chagas disease. This parasite is often transmitted through contact with infected triatomine bugs in armadillo burrows.
When dealing with armadillo-caused property issues, homeowners should avoid health hazards by hiring a local wildlife removal service. The cost to remove armadillos averages $275.
Frequently Asked Questions
Armadillos are most active during the early morning and late evening, around dawn and dusk. This timing helps them avoid the scorching daytime heat in the warm southern states where they live. Being out and about during these cooler hours reduces the risk of overheating and dehydration while digging for insects.
Armadillos can have mixed impacts on your yard. On the positive side, they help control insect populations by eating grubs, ants, and termites, which can benefit garden health. However, their digging habits can cause significant damage. Armadillos create burrows and dig up lawns and gardens for food, leading to unsightly holes and potentially undermining plant roots.
Yes, pangolins are rare animals and are considered some of the most trafficked mammals in the world. All eight species of pangolins, found in Africa and Asia, are threatened by illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss. In some cultures, their scales are in demand for medicinal purposes, while the meat is a sought-after delicacy. This high demand has led to severe population declines, pushing many species toward the brink of extinction.
The nine-banded armadillo is common in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi. Their range has expanded over the years, and they now live as far north as Missouri, Kansas, and even southern parts of Nebraska.
Armadillos are not considered friendly animals. They are solitary and tend to avoid human interaction. While not aggressive, they can be shy and reclusive, often scurrying away when approached. Armadillos may carry diseases, so handling them is not advised.
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