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.
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.
Muazma Batool
Apr 14, 2024
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.
Muazma Batool
Apr 14, 2024
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.
Muazma Batool
Apr 14, 2024
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.
Muazma Batool
Apr 14, 2024
Armadillo vs. Pangolin Comparison Chart
Diet
Insectivorous, mainly ants and termites
Insectivorous, primarily ants and termites
Muazma Batool
Apr 14, 2024
Foraging Behavior
Dig with claws, use long tongue to capture insects
Use long, extendable tongue to gather insects
Muazma Batool
Apr 14, 2024
Habitat
Americas, from grasslands to forests
Asia and Africa, in forests to savannas
Jonathan
Apr 14, 2024
Conservation Status
Generally less endangered, some species at risk
Among the most trafficked, critically endangered
Jonathan
Apr 14, 2024
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.
Muazma Batool
Feb 21, 2024
◉Pangolin
A mammal with large, protective keratin scales, found in Asia and Africa.
The pangolin curled into a ball when it felt threatened.
Muazma Batool
Feb 21, 2024
◉Armadillo
Most armadillos are active at night.
The armadillo ventured out at dusk to search for food.
Muazma Batool
Feb 21, 2024
◉Pangolin
The hard, protective covering of pangolins.
The pangolin’s keratin scales are tough enough to deter predators.
Muazma Batool
Feb 21, 2024
◉Armadillo
The distinctive protective covering of armadillos.
The armadillo’s leathery shell protects it from predators.
Muazma Batool
Feb 21, 2024
◉Pangolin
Pangolins are primarily active at night.
At night, the pangolin searches for ants and termites.
Leo
Feb 21, 2024
◉Armadillo
Armadillos primarily eat insects.
The armadillo used its sticky tongue to catch ants.
Muazma Batool
Feb 21, 2024
◉Pangolin
Many pangolin species are facing severe threats.
Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the critically endangered pangolin.
Kaitlyn
Feb 21, 2024
◉Armadillo
Armadillos are adept at digging burrows for homes.
An armadillo was seen burrowing into the ground to escape the hot sun.
Olivia
Feb 21, 2024
◉Pangolin
Pangolins have a diet consisting mainly of insects.
The pangolin extended its long tongue to feast on termites.
Jonathan
Feb 21, 2024
◉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.
Muazma Batool
Feb 20, 2024
◉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.
Muazma Batool
Feb 20, 2024
◉Armadillo
Any of the burrowing mammals covered with bony, jointed, protective plates, order Cingulata, found in the Americas, especially in South America.
Muazma Batool
Feb 20, 2024
◉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.
Muazma Batool
Feb 20, 2024
◉Armadillo
Burrowing chiefly nocturnal mammal with body covered with strong horny plates
Henry
Feb 20, 2024
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.
Muazma Batool
Apr 14, 2024
Where can you find armadillos and pangolins in the wild?
Armadillos are native to the Americas, while pangolins are found in Asia and Africa.
Muazma Batool
Apr 14, 2024
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.
Lucas
Apr 14, 2024
Why are pangolins considered critically endangered?
Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals, primarily for their scales and meat, leading to critical endangerment.
Lucas
Apr 14, 2024
What are the conservation efforts for pangolins?
Conservation efforts include anti-trafficking measures, habitat protection, and international cooperation to prevent illegal trade.
Muazma Batool
Apr 14, 2024
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.
Muazma Batool
Apr 14, 2024
What unique feature do armadillos have?
Armadillos have a unique leathery shell made of bony plates for protection.
Levi
Apr 14, 2024
What makes pangolins distinct from other mammals?
Pangolins are unique for their large, protective keratin scales.
Nolan
Apr 14, 2024
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.
Leo
Apr 14, 2024
Are armadillos and pangolins related?
Despite similar defensive mechanisms, armadillos and pangolins are not closely related; they are examples of convergent evolution.
Muazma Batool
Apr 14, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muazma BatoolAs 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
Muneeza RehmanAt 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.