The most omnivorous and hardy of the armadillos of Iberá, known as gualacate or tatú poyú. Its flattened, broad, brownish-yellow shell has long but sparse bristles poking out between the joints of the bands. Its broad head carries a flat cephalic shield and clearly visible ears. It is the most diurnal of the Corrientes armadillos and notably bold: it roams around campsite fires unperturbed by human presence in search of food scraps, and it is the only armadillo that bites if disturbed. Total length: 55 to 72 cm. Weight: 3 to 7 kg.
Behaviour
An opportunistic omnivore and markedly scavenging: it eats insects, snails, rodents, small lizards, eggs, fruit and roots, and digs beneath the remains of dead animals to look for larvae. Both diurnal and nocturnal habits depending on the season. A classic character of the nights at the park campsites, where it can be heard scratching the ground around the tents with total confidence.
How and when to see it
Year round. Extremely common and tame in the public-use areas of Portal Laguna Iberá. Also frequent prowling the camping areas of Portal Carambola. Heard before it is seen.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where six-banded armadillo has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where six-banded armadillo lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiences with local storytelling and a cultural take on the marshes.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Horseback journeys across a network of refuges in Iberá. Multi-day rides with overnight…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Guided hiking. Guided visit to museums, historic sites, chapels and trails of the town…★ 5.0 - Navegando Ituzaingó
Private sailboat rides on the Paraná with captain Mario: sunrise, morning and sunset…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameSix-banded Armadillo
- Scientific nameEuphractus sexcinctus
- GroupMammal
- StatusNative
Other species of the Iberá
Discover all the wildlife of the Iberá
More than 250 species with photos, profiles and the gateways where you can see them. Map, providers and trip planner. Free, no download needed.
Open Iberá Experience