Pichi

The pichi is a small armadillo with very short ears and a pointed, saw-toothed edge to its shell. The armour varies from pale yellowish to dark brown and is often crossed by a lighter line along the back. Its small size helps distinguish it from the broader, larger hairy armadillo.

It searches the ground for insects and other food, using sandy soils for both foraging and burrowing. Unlike most armadillos, it can hibernate through winter. A pichi may therefore be present in suitable steppe without appearing above ground during a visit, particularly in cold conditions.

In our region. A regional resident, but an incidental encounter rather than a dependable stop. Winter hibernation and daily conditions affect surface activity.