A Comprehensive Guide to Brazil’s Armadillos: Tatú do Brasil
The image titled “Tatús do Brasil” offers an exhaustive and visually captivating exploration of the diverse armadillo species native to Brazil, brought to life through the efforts of the Projeto Tatu-Canastra initiative. This detailed chart showcases nine distinct armadillo species, each meticulously illustrated with scientific precision and accompanied by their respective scientific names and common Portuguese designations. The artwork, rich in earthy tones, highlights the unique armor-like plating, varied body sizes, and distinctive features of these fascinating creatures, providing a window into Brazil’s rich biodiversity.
At the top left, the Tatu-bola (Tolypeutes tricinctus), also known as the three-banded armadillo, is depicted in its characteristic rolled-up, ball-like defensive posture, showcasing its ability to protect itself from predators. Adjacent to it, the Tatu-bola-mataco (Tolypeutes matacus), a close relative, mirrors this behavior but with subtle differences in its banding and coloration. Moving right, the Tatu-canastra (Priodontes maximus) dominates the composition with its massive, robust frame, large claws, and intricate, overlapping armor plates, earning it the title of the largest living armadillo species. This giant armadillo’s imposing presence underscores its role as a key digger in its ecosystem.
The middle row begins with the Tatu-de-rabo-mole-pequeno (Cabassous unicinctus squamicaudis), a smaller species with a flexible, unarmored tail and a compact, armored body, followed by the Tatu-peba (Euphractus sexcinctus), recognizable by its six movable bands and agile stance. Next, the Tatu-de-rabo-mole-grande (Cabassous tatouay) stands out with its larger size and similarly flexible tail, adapted for burrowing. The Tatu-de-quinze-quilos (Dasypus novemcinctus), or nine-banded armadillo, is shown with its characteristic nine flexible bands, a species widely known for its adaptability. The Tatuí (Dasypus septemcinctus) follows, featuring seven bands and a slightly more streamlined form.
At the bottom left, the Tatu-de-rabo-mole-pequeno (Cabassous unicinctus unicinctus), a subspecies with a single band, is illustrated with a focus on its smaller stature. Beside it, the Tatu-multita (Dasypus hybridus), or mulita, displays a multi-banded armor pattern, reflecting its hybrid-like traits. The final species, the Tatu-de-quinze-quilos (Dasypus kappleri), another nine-banded variant, is depicted with a slightly different coloration and posture, emphasizing regional variations.
The chart includes a human figure for scale, standing at 1.70 meters, which highlights the range in size from the diminutive Tatu-bola to the towering Tatu-canastra. Below the main illustrations, a color-coded key categorizes the species by genus: Priodontes (giant armadillos), Dasypus (long-nosed armadillos), Cabassous (naked-tailed armadillos), Euphractus (six-banded armadillos), and Tolypeutes (three-banded armadillos). Each genus is represented by small silhouette icons, providing a quick visual reference to their taxonomic relationships.
The background features a neutral, earthy palette that complements the armadillos’ natural tones, while the text is presented in a clean, legible font with scientific names in italics for accuracy. The Projeto Tatu-Canastra logo, featuring an armadillo silhouette, and the copyright notice reinforce the educational and conservation focus of this work. This comprehensive guide serves as both an artistic tribute and a vital resource for understanding and protecting Brazil’s unique armadillo populations as of 03:26 PM EDT on Thursday, May 29, 2025.