Armor protects from predators: armadillo

1 of 1 Nine-banded armadillo / Jerry Segrav.. / License

The body of armadillo protects from predators via flexible armor plating.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Protect from biotic factors >
	Animals

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Casts for broken bones that protect the skin beneath, protective equipment for police officers or firefighters.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Many larger creatures recognize the value of having the least possible surface area. Rolling into a ball is a simple but effective form of defence, used by creatures as diverse as the woodlouse, the hedgehog, and the armadillo. The economy of shape is made even more effective by adding some form of flexible armour-plating on the surface of the sphere. All the vulnerable and vital organs and limbs are tucked away inside the protective casing, presenting a predator with a frustrating ball game instead of a meal." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:21)

About the inspiring organism

Dasypodidae
Dasypodidae

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Casts for broken bones that protect the skin beneath, protective equipment for police officers or firefighters.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Medical, safety

References

Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.

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Comments

See this article about a teen who designed a stadium mimicking the armadillo: http://www.southwalesa...

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