Pangolin vs. Armadillo — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 3, 2023
A Pangolin is a scaly mammal native to Asia and Africa, while an Armadillo is a hard-shelled mammal native to the Americas.
Difference Between Pangolin and Armadillo
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The Pangolin is a distinctive mammal primarily recognized for its large, protective keratin scales covering its body. These creatures are mainly found in the regions of Asia and Africa. Pangolins are solitary and mostly nocturnal, using their long, sticky tongues to capture ants and termites. Unfortunately, Pangolins have become the most trafficked mammal in the world, sought after for their scales and meat.
In contrast, the Armadillo is a mammal known for its leathery armor shell. This animal is indigenous to the Americas, with a majority of species residing in South America. Armadillos have a varied diet, ranging from insects to plants. One of the fascinating behaviors of some Armadillo species is their ability to roll into a tight ball as a defensive mechanism against predators.
While both Pangolins and Armadillos have protective outer coverings, the nature of this protection is fundamentally different. Pangolins have overlapping scales, while Armadillos boast bony plates called osteoderms, which form their armor. The habitats, diets, and threats faced by these animals also differ significantly.
Both creatures play essential roles in their respective ecosystems. For instance, Pangolins help control insect populations, and Armadillos, through their digging habits, aid in aerating the soil, which can benefit plant growth. Despite their differences, both animals face threats from habitat destruction and hunting.
Comparison Chart
Physical Attribute
Has large, overlapping keratin scales.
Boasts a leathery armor shell of bony plates.
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Habitat
Found in Asia and Africa.
Native to the Americas.
Diet
Primarily ants and termites.
Varied; includes insects, plants, and small animals.
Threats
Trafficking for scales and meat.
Hunting for meat and shell.
Role in Ecosystem
Controls insect populations.
Aerates soil through digging; controls insect populations.
Compare with Definitions
Pangolin
Pangolins are nocturnal mammals recognized by their protective keratin scales.
The Pangolin curled into a ball when threatened.
Armadillo
Native to the Americas, Armadillos have a diverse diet and unique digging habits.
In the garden, the Armadillo dug deep in search of insects.
Pangolin
Found in Asia and Africa, Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals globally.
Conservationists are fighting to protect the endangered Pangolin species.
Armadillo
Some Armadillo species can contract leprosy, a rare disease in humans.
Researchers study the Armadillo to understand more about leprosy.
Pangolin
Pangolins mainly eat ants and termites using their elongated, sticky tongues.
The Pangolin's diet helps control insect populations in its habitat.
Armadillo
Armadillos are mammals known for their distinct leathery armor shell.
The Armadillo rolled into a tight ball when the predator approached.
Pangolin
Pangolins use their sharp claws for digging burrows and uncovering insect nests.
The Pangolin retreated into its burrow at the first sign of danger.
Armadillo
The bony plates or "osteoderms" give Armadillos their characteristic protective armor.
The hard shell of the Armadillo protects it from many potential threats.
Pangolin
Different species of Pangolins have varying sizes and habitats.
The tree-dwelling Pangolins have prehensile tails for climbing.
Armadillo
Armadillos vary in size and color, depending on their species and habitat.
The pink fairy Armadillo is one of the smallest and most unique-looking species.
Pangolin
Pangolins, sometimes known as scaly anteaters, are mammals of the order Pholidota (, from Ancient Greek ϕολιδωτός - "clad in scales"). The one extant family, the Manidae, has three genera: Manis, Phataginus, and Smutsia.
Armadillo
Armadillos (meaning "little armored ones" in Spanish) are New World placental mammals in the order Cingulata. The Chlamyphoridae and Dasypodidae are the only surviving families in the order, which is part of the superorder Xenarthra, along with the anteaters and sloths.
Pangolin
An African and Asian mammal that has a body covered with horny overlapping scales, a small head with an elongated snout, a long sticky tongue for catching ants and termites, and a tapering tail.
Armadillo
A nocturnal insectivorous mammal that has large claws for digging and a body covered in bony plates. Armadillos are native to Central and South America and one kind is spreading into the southern US.
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.
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.
Pangolin
The scaly anteater; any of several long-tailed, scale-covered mammals of the order Pholidota of tropical Africa and Asia, the sole extant genus of which is Manis.
Armadillo
Any of the burrowing mammals covered with bony, jointed, protective plates, order Cingulata, found in the Americas, especially in South America.
Pangolin
Any one of several species of Manis, Pholidotus, and related genera, found in Africa and Asia. They are covered with imbricated scales, and feed upon ants. Called also scaly ant-eater.
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.
Pangolin
Toothless mammal of southern Africa and Asia having a body covered with horny scales and a long snout for feeding on ants and termites
Armadillo
Burrowing chiefly nocturnal mammal with body covered with strong horny plates
Common Curiosities
Why are Pangolins endangered?
Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals, sought for their scales and meat, leading to their endangerment.
How do Armadillos protect themselves from predators?
Some species of Armadillos can roll into a tight ball as a defense mechanism.
What is a Pangolin?
A Pangolin is a scaly mammal primarily found in Asia and Africa, known for its protective keratin scales.
Where are Armadillos commonly found?
Armadillos are native to the Americas, especially South America.
Why do Pangolins have scales?
Pangolin scales provide protection against predators.
Do both Pangolins and Armadillos have scales?
While Pangolins have keratin scales, Armadillos have a bony armor made of osteoderms.
How do Armadillos impact the environment?
Armadillos aerate the soil through their digging habits, aiding in plant growth and controlling insect populations.
Is it legal to trade Pangolin products?
Due to their endangered status, international trade in Pangolin products is prohibited.
What do Pangolins eat?
Pangolins primarily consume ants and termites.
What are the primary threats to Armadillos?
Armadillos face threats from habitat destruction and hunting for their meat and shell.
How many species of Pangolins are there?
There are eight recognized species of Pangolins.
Are Pangolins and Armadillos good pets?
Neither Pangolins nor Armadillos are recommended as pets due to their specific needs and conservation statuses.
Are Armadillos and Pangolins related?
No, despite some similarities in appearance, they belong to different animal families.
How many species of Armadillos exist?
There are about 21 recognized species of Armadillos.
Do all Armadillos roll into a ball?
No, only certain species of Armadillos have the ability to roll up completely.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
