Nine-banded armadillo skull

This nine-banded armadillo skull ( Dasypus novemcinctus ), an iconic xenarthran mammal of the Americas, is distinguished by its long, narrow snout, adapted for exploring soft soils, and by its homodont dentition of small, cylindrical teeth specialized for an insectivorous diet. The light bone structure, reduced zygomatic arch, and wide nasal cavities indicate an evolutionary path geared towards burrowing and foraging for subterranean prey such as ants, termites, and other invertebrates. This specimen has been carefully mounted on a base in our workshops to preserve its anatomical integrity and to provide both an educational and aesthetically pleasing presentation.