Head to head
Large Hairy Armadillo vs Pichi
Large Hairy Armadillo
VS Pichi
Both armadillos share overlapping range across the Patagonian steppe, but their approach to surviving cold conditions differs sharply.
| Large Hairy Armadillo | Pichi | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Chaetophractus villosus | Zaedyus pichiy |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Population trend | Stable | Decreasing |
| Cold-survival strategy | Remains active year-round | Hibernates through winter |
| Body covering | Long hair between armoured plates | Typical armadillo shell |
| Range | Patagonian steppe and surrounding regions | Southernmost-ranging armadillo, Patagonia only |
| Size | One of the more common, larger armadillos | One of the smallest armadillo species |
| Habitat | Grassland, desert | Grassland, desert |
Large Hairy Armadillo vs Pichi: common questions
Which armadillo hibernates?
The pichi does, the only armadillo species known to hibernate, while the large hairy armadillo instead remains active year-round in its burrow system.
Which armadillo has hair growing between its armoured plates?
The large hairy armadillo does, a feature reflected in its common name and unusual among armadillo species generally.
Which armadillo ranges further south?
The pichi does, ranging further south than any other armadillo species, tolerating colder conditions than the large hairy armadillo typically encounters.