Comparative histology and ontogenetic change in the carapace of armadillos (Mammalia: Dasypodidae).

KRMPOTIC CM.; CIANCIO MR; CARLINI A. A.; CASTRO, MC; SCARANO A.; BARBEITO C.

ZOOMORPHOLOGY (BERLIN. PRINT)

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2015 vol. 134 p. 601 - 616

0720-213X

Among extant mammals, the presence ofosteoderms is limited to armadillos (Xenarthra, Dasypodidae),being one of its distinctive features. The osteodermsare articulated to form a carapace that covers their bodydorsally. In this paper we study the integumentary structuresof the armadillos Chaetophractus vellerosus,Chaetophractus villosus, Euphractus sexcinctus, and Zaedyuspichiy (Euphractinae), Dasypus hybridus, and Dasypusnovemcinctus (Dasypodinae) within a comparativeframework, aiming to identify patterns common to thefamily and to the subfamilies Dasypodinae andEuphractinae, as well as peculiarities of each species.Differences between the two subfamilies were observed inthe dorsal integument, related to the production of bloodcells and the mobility of the carapace. The Euphractinaepresent more numerous and larger cavities filled with adiposetissue in the osteoderms, as well as more marginalfollicles than the Dasypodinae. These provide thermalinsulation that could be related to their distribution incooler climates. The sebaceous glands associated withsurface follicles are also more developed in theEuphractinae and could be related to preventing the desiccationof the cornified scales in arid climates.