E. sexcinctus is present in a wide area of South America, from southern Suriname and adjacent Brazil to Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina (Redford and Wetzel 1985). It does not occur in Buenos Aires Province (Flores et al. 2009). For over 20 years, it was thought that a disjunct population existed on the border between Brazil and Suriname (Wetzel 1985). However, recent studies in northern Brazil confirmed the occurrence of E. sexcinctus in Maranhão (Silva Junior et al. 2001), Amapá (Silva Junior and Nunes 2001), and parts of northern (Silva Junior et al. 2005a, b), northwestern (Oliveira et al. 2006), and eastern Pará (Andrade et al. 2006). Most of these records are located in the cerrado. The presence of this species in Peru needs to be confirmed.

South America east of the Andes mountains in dry savannahs or in parts of wet savannahs. Their burrows are typically located in grasslands.

Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )

On average, an adult measures 406mm from head to body and has a tail 2/3 as long. These armadillos are distinguished by their pointed and flattened heads, which are covered by large plates arranged in a distinctive pattern. Their body consists of 6-8 moveable bands, which are covered with thin grey-brown hair. They have 5 toes, and their claws are well developed for digging and constructing burrows.

Average mass: 5 kg.

Average mass: 4850 g.

Average basal metabolic rate: 6.901 W.

• Terrestrial

Euphractus sexcinctus inhabits South American savannahs, preferring (but not limited to) drier areas.

Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland

Euphractus sexcinctus is omnivorous. Plant material(including bromeliad fruit, tubers, palm nuts) composes 90% of the diet. Insects such as ants and termites, carrion, and small vertebrates such as frogs are also consumed. These armadillos have been observed to feed on dead carcasses by standing on them and ripping off pieces held in their jaws.

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 18.8 years.

The female usually gives birth to a litter of 1-3 (both male and female) baby armadillos in a nest that she has built herself. These babies may be born anytime during the year after a gestation period of 60-64 days. There is a possibility of a time delay between fertilization and the implantation of the egg in the wall of the female's uterus. Babies weigh about 95-115 grams at birth and their eyes open after 22-25 days. During the first month of their lives, the babies quadruple their weight and by the end of the month are able to consume solid foods. Within nine months the baby armadillo matures into an adult.

Average birth mass: 105 g.

Average gestation period: 68 days.

Average number of offspring: 2.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)

Sex: male: 274 days.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)

Sex: female: 274 days.

Although E. sexcinctus is not given any special status as an endangered or threatened species, it is important to note that they are often trapped and killed by farmers because of the armadillo's love for sprouting corn shoots.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

Euphractus sexcinctus may damage sprouting corn.

A small number of E. sexcinctus are hunted and killed for thier meat in northeastern Brazil. In addition to being used in a small scale meat market. the armadillos are killed for their tails, which are used by Argentinian Indians for carrying their firemaking tools.