What is the Difference Between Pangolin and Armadillo?

Pangolins and armadillos are both armored insect-eating mammals, but they have several key differences:

1. Taxonomy: Pangolins belong to the order Pholidota and the family Manidae, while armadillos are part of the superorder Xenarthra and the families Chlamyphoridae and Dasypodidae.
2. Distribution and Habitat: Pangolins are found in South Asia and South Africa, living in trees or underground, while armadillos are native to South America and North America, preferring warm environments with plenty of rainfall and wooded areas with loose, sandy soil.
3. Armor: Pangolins have flexible armor consisting of sharp, overlapping plate-like scales, while armadillos have plated armor that forms a shell-like structure on their body.
4. Size: Armadillos are generally larger than pangolins, with a smaller armadillo being around 5 inches long and the largest reaching up to 59 inches in length. In contrast, the smallest pangolin is about 12 inches long, and the largest can grow up to 55 inches.
5. Coloring: Armadillos are gray with plated armor, while pangolins are brown with plate-like scales.
6. Behavior: Pangolins use their specialized gland near their anus to secrete a potent odor as a deterrent against threats, similar to skunks. They also use this secretion to mark territory and communicate with other pangolins, as they have poor eyesight and are predominantly nocturnal.

In summary, pangolins and armadillos may share some physical similarities, but they are distinct animals with different taxonomic classifications, habitats, armor, sizes, and behaviors.

Comparative Table: Pangolin vs Armadillo

Here is a table comparing the differences between pangolins and armadillos:

Note: Some of the information in this table comes from the following sources:.