Peltephilus

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Peltephilus
Fossil range: Oligocene to Miocene
Conservation status
Extinct (fossil)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Superorder: Xenarthra
Order: Cingulata
Family: Dasypodidae
Genus: Peltephilus

Peltephilus was a species of giant armadillo which inhabited Argentina during the Miocene era; notably, the scutes on its head were so developed that they formed horns protecting its eyes. Aside from the horned gophers of North America, it is the only known fossorial horned mammal.

Although it had traditionally been perceived as a carnivore, Vizcaino and Farina demonstrated in 1997 that Peltephilus was a herbivore.

[edit] References

  • Vizcaino, S. F., & R. A. Farina (1997), Diet and locomotion of the armadillo Peltephilus: a new view. Lethaia, 30, 79-86.