Relative size

Glyptodonts are one of the most easily recognizable animals of the South American megafauna. These relatives of the armadillos could have up to 1,500 scutes on their carapaces. These, with their distinctive flower-looking designs, are very characteristic and maybe the most commonly found vertebrate fossils in Uruguay and the rest of the region. Even though they had their tails covered with bone rings, they lacked the fusion of the last rings, common in the other species of glyptodonts. Their weight could vary between one and two tons, depending on the species. Their name means “carved tooth”.

Trivertebral element

Tibia-Fibula

Femora

Hind limb