The family Dasypodidae, belonging to the order Cingulata, comprises the armadillos, a group of small to medium-sized mammals native primarily to the Americas. Armadillos are characterized by their distinctive armored shell made of bony plates, a long snout, strong claws for digging, and a mostly insectivorous diet, though some species eat small vertebrates or plants. They inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and semi-arid regions, and many species are nocturnal or crepuscular. Dasypodids play an important ecological role by aerating soil through their digging activities and controlling insect populations. Some species, like the nine-banded armadillo, have expanded their range extensively, while others remain restricted and vulnerable to habitat loss.