Dasypodidae

/ˌdæsɪpɑˈdaɪdi/ noun

Definition

The biological family that includes armadillos, characterized by their thick-haired feet and armored bodies.

Etymology

From Greek 'dasys' (thick, hairy) + 'pous' (foot) + Latin '-idae' (family suffix). The name literally means 'the family of thick-footed animals.'

Kelly Says

Dasypodidae is the official scientific family name for armadillos, and it stuck because when Europeans first saw these creatures, they were struck by their peculiar, thick, clawed feet!

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