Description

Giant Armadillo Claw Bone

Giant armadillo claw bone fossil found in North Florida.  In addition, these Armadillo fossils have been found in the Marion county sink hole area.

Background

Holmesina is an extinct group of armadillo-like creatures. They were distantly related to extant armadillos. Like armadillos, the shell was made up of flexible plates allowing the animal to move more easily. Their species were herbivores and they grazed on coarse vegetation.

Holmesina were much larger than any modern armadillo and they could reach a length of 2 m, and a weight of 227 kg (500 lbs). While the modern giant armadillo does not attain more than 54 kg (119 lbs). They traveled north in the faunal interchange and adapted well to North America. Therefore, their fossils can be found from Brazil to the United States, mostly found in Texas and Florida.