In fur and armor: Scientists discovered something incredible under the skin of pink fairy armadillos (photo)

Frilled armadillos (Chlamyphorus truncatus), also known as pink fairy armadillos, are considered the smallest species of armadillo, reaching a length of only 15 centimeters. But that wasn’t the only thing that caught the researchers’ attention: Scientists also discovered that these magnificent armadillos have a unique pair of skins, writes LiveScience.

In a new study, scientists from Argentina’s National Council for Scientific and Technical Research examined the microscopic anatomy of the segments of ruffed armadillos with and without osteoderm, which are bone plates embedded in the skin. As a result, scientists discovered an incredible second layer of skin under the animal’s dorsal shield.

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Although it may seem odd, Sicilia Krmpotic, lead author of the study, said she and her team discovered that pink fairy armadillos actually have two layers of skin. The outer layer of skin consists of keratinized scales, while osteoderms act as a mantle or covering for the inner layer, which also contains abundant fine fur. Scientists also concluded that this pair of skins is quite special among other mammal species.

Note that the other 19 species of armadillo known to science have a single layer of skin covered with scales and osteoderms that form the animal’s armor. The authors of the study suggest that the 100-gram animals probably evolved this surprising trait millions of years ago in response to climate change: conditions became drier and they had to move underground.

Pink fairy armadillos are native to central Argentina, where they live in burrows that they dig with their massive claws. Members of this species are believed to feed primarily on ants and other small insects.

Scientists also recognize that this species is still not fully understood. The problem is that most individuals removed from their usual habitat and taken into captivity die within a few days.

As a rule, the protective armor of these animals consists of two parts:

• The first to rise protects the head;
• The back of the shield covers the rest of the body (divided into thoracic and pelvic shields; the former consists of a series of movable strips that allow the animal to maintain flexibility). The shell serves both to protect against potential predators and to support the animal’s underground lifestyle.

However, as unique as the armadillo’s body covering is, it is similar to that of other subterranean mammals and has very flexible hairs that help it navigate underground tunnels.

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