Armadillos (specifically the nine-banded armadillo) are a member of Xenarthra, one of the six main superorders of mammals. Xenarthra includes sloths, anteaters, and armadillos. 

Armadillos exhibit polyembrony, that is, they have multiple offspring from a single fertilized egg. In the case of the nine-banded armadillo, each litter consists of four genetically identical offspring (the three banded armadillo (found in South America) often has eight genetically identical offspring in each litter!)

Often considered nuisance animals, armadillos are mostly nocturnal and are very avid diggers - which causes many gardeners to dislike them. 

Since the 1970s, armadillos have been used for leprosy research. They are the only mammal besides humans to suffer from leprosy (Hansen's disease). Currently, much research is taking place at LSU in Baton Rouge, in the hopes that a vaccine for leprosy may be discovered. 

In the event that you have a problem armadillo on your hands, please do not kick the armadillo! Contact user JeffPadberg, and he will gladly remove the armadillo from your vicinity!