INFLUENCES ON ACTIVITY PATTERNS IN A POPULATION OF 9-BANDED ARMADILLOS

Patterns of activity and influences on these patterns were examined in a population of nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) from no rthern Florida, using records of individual sightings during summers 1 992-1995. Juveniles were active earlier in the day (i.e., mid-morning to early evening) than were adults. Within each age group, there were no differences in average times of activity between males and females, or between months or years of the study. Comparisons of numbers of in dividuals observed each hour of the day showed differences in hourly a bundances between adults and juveniles and between juvenile males and females, but not between adult males and females. Within each age grou p, abundances also varied between months and years of the study. The n umber of animals active at each hour of the day was not evenly distrib uted for either juveniles or adults, Within each age group, patterning of activity varied across months and between years, although not nece ssarily for both males and females. Few significant relationships were found between numbers of armadillos observed and environmental condit ions when activity across the entire day was considered. However, acti vity was positively correlated with cloud cover during the day and wit h drier and warmer conditions al night. Our data suggest considerable flexibility in the timing of activity of armadillos.