Armadillo vs. Pangolin: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 14, 2024
Armadillo is a mammal known for its leathery armor shell. Pangolin is a mammal known for its scales made of keratin.
Comparison Chart
Defensive Mechanism
Curling into a ball
Curling into a ball with scale protection
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Jan 14, 2024
Reproduction
Multiple offspring, often genetic clones
Usually one offspring at a time
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Physical Characteristics
Various sizes, short legs
Long tails, elongated snouts
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Armadillo and Pangolin Definitions
Armadillo
A small armored mammal native to the Americas.
The armadillo rolled into a ball when it felt threatened.
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Pangolin
A scale-covered mammal found in Asia and Africa.
The pangolin uses its scales as armor against predators.
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Armadillo
An animal with a distinctive leathery shell.
The armadillo's shell is made of bony plates.
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Pangolin
A mammal that rolls into a ball for protection.
When threatened, a pangolin will curl up tightly.
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Armadillo
An omnivore that primarily eats insects.
Armadillos are useful in controlling insect populations.
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Pangolin
An endangered species due to illegal wildlife trade.
Conservation efforts are crucial for the pangolin's survival.
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Armadillo
A creature known for its digging abilities.
The armadillo dug into the ground in search of food.
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Pangolin
A nocturnal mammal with a long tail and snout.
The pangolin's long snout helps it sniff out insect nests.
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Armadillo
A mammal that can have genetically identical offspring.
The nine-banded armadillo often has quadruplets.
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Pangolin
An animal specialized in eating ants and termites.
Pangolins have a long tongue that helps them eat insects.
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Armadillo
Any of various omnivorous burrowing mammals of the family Dasypodidae, native to southern North America and Central and South America and characterized by an armorlike covering consisting of jointed bony plates.
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Pangolin
Any of several long-tailed, scale-covered mammals of the order Pholidota of tropical Africa and Asia, having a long snout and a sticky tongue for catching and eating ants and termites. Also called scaly anteater.
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Armadillo
Any of the burrowing mammals covered with bony, jointed, protective plates, order Cingulata, found in the Americas, especially in South America.
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Pangolin
The scaly anteater; any of several long-tailed, scale-covered mammals of the order Pholidota of tropical Africa and Asia, the sole extant genus of which is Manis.
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Armadillo
Any edentate animal if the family Dasypidæ, peculiar to America. The body and head are incased in an armor composed of small bony plates. The armadillos burrow in the earth, seldom going abroad except at night. When attacked, they curl up into a ball, presenting the armor on all sides. Their flesh is good food. There are several species, one of which (the peba) is found as far north as Texas. See Peba, Poyou, Tatouay.
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Pangolin
Any one of several species of Manis, Pholidotus, and related genera, found in Africa and Asia. They are covered with imbricated scales, and feed upon ants. Called also scaly ant-eater.
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Armadillo
Burrowing chiefly nocturnal mammal with body covered with strong horny plates
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Pangolin
Toothless mammal of southern Africa and Asia having a body covered with horny scales and a long snout for feeding on ants and termites
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are armadillos solitary or social animals?
Armadillos are generally solitary creatures.
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Jan 14, 2024
Where are armadillos commonly found?
Armadillos are primarily found in the Americas.
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What do armadillos eat?
Armadillos mainly eat insects and small vertebrates.
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What kind of shell does an armadillo have?
An armadillo has a leathery armor shell.
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How do armadillos protect themselves?
Armadillos curl into a ball as a defense mechanism.
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Jan 14, 2024
How do armadillos reproduce?
Armadillos can give birth to multiple genetically identical offspring.
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How do pangolins defend themselves?
Pangolins curl into a ball, using their scales for protection.
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What is the biggest threat to pangolins?
The biggest threat to pangolins is illegal wildlife trade and poaching.
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What is the primary diet of a pangolin?
Pangolins primarily eat ants and termites.
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Do armadillos carry diseases?
Armadillos can carry diseases like leprosy, though transmission to humans is rare.
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Are pangolins active during the day or night?
Pangolins are primarily nocturnal animals.
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Is it legal to own a pangolin?
No, owning a pangolin is illegal in many places due to their protected status.
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Jan 14, 2024
How do pangolins find food?
Pangolins use their keen sense of smell to locate insect nests.
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Are pangolins endangered?
Yes, pangolins are endangered due to poaching and habitat loss.
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Jan 14, 2024
Do armadillos have good eyesight?
Armadillos have poor eyesight but a good sense of smell.
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How long do armadillos live?
Armadillos can live for 12-15 years in the wild.
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Jan 14, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.