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

KRMPOTIC CM; CIACIO MR; CARLINI AA; . CASTRO MC; SCARANO AC; BARBEITO CG.

ZOOMORPHOLOGY (BERLIN. PRINT)

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2015

0720-213X

Among extant mammals, the presence ofosteoderms is limited to armadillos (Xenarthra, Dasypo-didae), being one of its distinctive features. The osteodermsare articulated to form a carapace that covers their bodydorsally. In this paper we study the integumentary struc- tures of the armadillos Chaetophractus vellerosus, Chaetophractus villosus, Euphractus sexcinctus, and Zae- dyus pichiy (Euphractinae), Dasypus hybridus, and Dasy-pus novemcinctus (Dasypodinae) within a comparativeframework, aiming to identify patterns common to the family and to the subfamilies Dasypodinae and Euphractinae, as well as peculiarities of each species. Differences between the two subfamilies were observed inthe dorsal integument, related to the production of blood 21cells and the mobility of the carapace. The Euphractinae 22present more numerous and larger cavities filled with adi- 23pose tissue in the osteoderms, as well as more marginal 24follicles than the Dasypodinae. These provide thermal 25insulation that could be related to their distribution in 26cooler climates. The sebaceous glands associated with 27surface follicles are also more developed in the 28Euphractinae and could be related to preventing the des- 29iccation of the cornified scales in arid climates.