It is one of only two species of armadillo (the other is the southern three-banded armadillo) that can roll into a ball.

The southern three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus), also called the la Plata three-banded armadillo, is an armadillo species from South America.

The southern three-banded armadillo and the other member of the genus Tolypeutes, the Brazilian three-banded armadillo, are the only species of armadillos capable of rolling into a complete ball to defend themselves.

Foremost among these are the Chacoan Peccary, known locally as tagua or quilimero pig, a common species in Chaco, armadillos (Tolypeutes matacus and Chlamyphorus retusus), common in the region, the Chacoan Mara and Conover's Tuco-tuco.