Armadillo vs. Pangolin: Difference and Comparison

By Muazma Batool & Muneeza Rehman — Published on April 14, 2024

Armadillos are armored New World mammals, known for their leathery shell, while pangolins, often called "scaly anteaters," are Asian and African mammals with keratin scales.

Armadillo vs. Pangolin

Difference Between Armadillo and Pangolin

Armadillos and pangolins share a unique defensive trait: their body armor. However, the nature of their armor differs significantly. Armadillos have a hard, leathery shell composed of bony plates covered in relatively thin skin, providing protection against predators. In contrast, pangolins are covered in large, hard scales made of keratin, the same material as human fingernails, offering them a unique form of defense by curling into a tight ball when threatened.

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Both species are predominantly insectivorous, feasting mainly on ants and termites. However, their methods of foraging and consuming prey differ. Armadillos use their strong, clawed forelimbs to dig into ant nests and termite mounds, relying on their long, sticky tongues to capture insects. Pangolins, on the other hand, also possess powerful claws for excavation but have extraordinarily long, sticky tongues that can be extended far beyond the length of their body to gather insects.

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The habitats of armadillos and pangolins further highlight their differences. Armadillos are native to the Americas, with their range extending from the southern United States to South America. They inhabit diverse environments, from grasslands to forests. Pangolins are found in Asia and Africa, living in tropical forests, grasslands, and savannas, which dictates their adaptive behaviors and survival strategies.

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Conservation status presents another point of distinction. While some armadillo species face threats from habitat loss and hunting, they are generally considered less endangered than pangolins. Pangolins are among the world's most trafficked mammals, facing critical threats from illegal wildlife trade for their scales and meat, leading to severe declines in their populations.

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Armadillo vs. Pangolin Comparison Chart

Body Armor

Leathery shell of bony plates

Keratin scales

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Diet

Insectivorous, mainly ants and termites

Insectivorous, primarily ants and termites

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Foraging Behavior

Dig with claws, use long tongue to capture insects

Use long, extendable tongue to gather insects

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Habitat

Americas, from grasslands to forests

Asia and Africa, in forests to savannas

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Conservation Status

Generally less endangered, some species at risk

Among the most trafficked, critically endangered

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Armadillo vs. Pangolin Definitions

◉Armadillo

A small American mammal known for its protective bony shell.

The armadillo rolled into a ball when it sensed danger.

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◉Pangolin

A mammal with large, protective keratin scales, found in Asia and Africa.

The pangolin curled into a ball when it felt threatened.

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◉Armadillo

Most armadillos are active at night.

The armadillo ventured out at dusk to search for food.

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◉Pangolin

The hard, protective covering of pangolins.

The pangolin’s keratin scales are tough enough to deter predators.

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◉Armadillo

The distinctive protective covering of armadillos.

The armadillo’s leathery shell protects it from predators.

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◉Pangolin

Pangolins are primarily active at night.

At night, the pangolin searches for ants and termites.

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◉Armadillo

Armadillos primarily eat insects.

The armadillo used its sticky tongue to catch ants.

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◉Pangolin

Many pangolin species are facing severe threats.

Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the critically endangered pangolin.

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◉Armadillo

Armadillos are adept at digging burrows for homes.

An armadillo was seen burrowing into the ground to escape the hot sun.

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◉Pangolin

Pangolins have a diet consisting mainly of insects.

The pangolin extended its long tongue to feast on termites.

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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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◉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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◉Armadillo

Burrowing chiefly nocturnal mammal with body covered with strong horny plates

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Armadillo vs. Pangolin Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary diet of armadillos and pangolins?

Both armadillos and pangolins are insectivorous, mainly consuming ants and termites.

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Where can you find armadillos and pangolins in the wild?

Armadillos are native to the Americas, while pangolins are found in Asia and Africa.

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Can armadillos and pangolins be kept as pets?

Both armadillos and pangolins are wild animals with specific needs; they are not suitable as pets and are protected under various laws.

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Why are pangolins considered critically endangered?

Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals, primarily for their scales and meat, leading to critical endangerment.

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What are the conservation efforts for pangolins?

Conservation efforts include anti-trafficking measures, habitat protection, and international cooperation to prevent illegal trade.

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How do armadillos and pangolins defend themselves?

Armadillos roll into a ball using their leathery shell, while pangolins use their hard keratin scales to protect themselves.

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What unique feature do armadillos have?

Armadillos have a unique leathery shell made of bony plates for protection.

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What makes pangolins distinct from other mammals?

Pangolins are unique for their large, protective keratin scales.

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How do armadillos and pangolins forage for food?

Both use their claws to dig and long tongues to capture insects, but pangolins have extendable tongues that can reach far beyond their body length.

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Are armadillos and pangolins related?

Despite similar defensive mechanisms, armadillos and pangolins are not closely related; they are examples of convergent evolution.

Apr 14, 2024

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Content Creators

Written by

As a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.

Co-written by

At Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.