While countless species struggle to survive in the human altered world there are some animals that are able to thrive in it. One of these species is the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). Originally inhabiting most of South and Central America, the nine-banded armadillo crossed the Rio Grande (they can both float and walk across river bottoms) into the United States sometime in the 19th century. At about the same time, it was introduced into Florida. Now the species can be found from Texas and New Mexico, north to Nebraska, and from Florida to South Carolina. Its range is still expanding too, and wayward armadillos are regularly spotted. It is predicted that the armadillo will eventually make it at least as far north as New Jersey. Warming temperatures, a high reproductive rate (they almost always give birth to four identical, same-sex babies from a single fertilized egg), and few natural predators all aid the armadillo in its conquest of the United States.
In toy-form, the nine-banded armadillo is the most commonly made armadillo species, but few are display worthy and still in production. I was ecstatic when Schleich made a new one a few years ago and didn’t hesitate to add it to my shelf but the one I’ve always admired the most was the Safari Ltd. armadillo. As part of the Incredible Creatures line however, it was far too large for my collection, so I never pursued it. Then I got one in a lot and although I don’t display it with my main collection, I have found space for it on my bookshelf.
The Safari armadillo measures about 6.75” (17.15 cm) in total length and has a head-body length of 4.75” (12.07 cm). The actual nine-banded armadillo has a head-body length of 15-23” (38-58 cm) and the tail adds another 10-21” (26-53 cm), they average 5.5-14.3 lbs. (2.5–6.5 kg) in weight but exceptional specimens can weigh over 20 lbs. (9.07 kg). Using head-body length we get a scale of 1/2-1/3.4.
Released in 2006 and still in production, this now 20 year old toy holds up really well. It is presented moving forward with the left hindlimb lifted up and toes curled inward. The head is tilted down, as if the armadillo is searching for the ground-dwelling invertebrate prey that it favors. The tail is dragging behind it and curled slightly towards the right.
We can identify this toy as a nine-banded armadillo thanks to, that’s right, the nine bands across its carapace. Actually, the species can have 8-11 bands. In life, the armadillo’s armor is made of ossified dermal plates covered by a leathery epidermis and the tail is covered in bony scutes. The underside is sparsely covered in hair, but Safari didn’t include any hair here and the portions of the body that should have it are smooth. The armored bits are nicely detailed though, with what appear to be little pen tip jabs over the body. I did the same thing to a dinosaur I sculpted when I was in high school! The head is long and narrow, with a pig-like snout, small eyes, and tall, erect ears. There are four prominent claws on the hands and feet but the hindlimbs should have five claws.
The toy is entirely gray with a dark gray wash that brings out the fine details. It works, but some mottled shades of pink or brown would have been appreciated too. The eyes and claws are black. It’s a simple paintjob but I still prefer it over the golden brown that Schleich gave their armadillo figures.
The Safari Ltd. armadillo shows its age with its simple paintjob and lack of detail in places, but the paintjob is still sufficient, and the toy is highly detailed where it counts the most. I think that this is the best armadillo toy ever produced. Scale conscious collectors like me (usually) won’t be interested in it but for anyone that wants a large scale armadillo, perhaps to compliment some western or southern décor, will appreciate its large size and lifelike sculpt.
