Spiky & Armoured: 10 Fascinating Animals With Natural Shells And Thorns

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Armadillo (Dasypodidae family)

Armadillos possess a hard bony shell made of keratin and bone. Their armour acts as a defence mechanism, and some species can roll into a ball when threatened.

A curious armadillo in the wild | jimmyb_intothewild/instagram

Porcupine (Erethizontidae family)

Porcupines have sharp quills made of keratin which detach easily when predators attack. These hollow, barbed spines serve as an effective defence, causing pain and discouraging further threats.

A shot of a Malayan Porcupine | stickyricetravel/instagram

Thorny Devil (Moloch horridus)

This Australian lizard is covered in thorn-like scales that help deter predators. It also collects moisture through its skin, channelling water to its mouth via capillary action.

A Thorny Devil in its habitat | nuts_about_macro__/instagram

Pangolin (Pholidota order)

Pangolins are the only mammals with protective keratin scales covering their bodies. When threatened, they curl into a tight ball, shielding their soft parts from predators completely.

A sunda pangolin sits on a branch | rainforest_eye/instagram

Sea Urchin (Echinoidea class)

Sea urchins have spiny shells called tests, which protect them from predators. Their movable spines also help in locomotion and burrowing into seabeds or rock crevices.

A shot of a sea urchin in its habitat | Wikimedia Commons

Hedgehog (Erinaceinae subfamily)

Hedgehogs are small mammals covered in thousands of stiff spines. When in danger, they curl into a ball, using their quills to form a spiky barrier against predators.

A hedgehog in its habitat | Unsplash

Spiny Orb-Weaver Spider (Gasteracantha genus)

These spiders have hardened, spiny abdomens resembling tiny armoured shields. The bright colours and spikes deter predators, making them less likely to be consumed by birds or reptiles.

Spiny Orb-Weaver Spider | Wikimedia Commons

Horseshoe Crab (Limulidae family)

Despite their name, horseshoe crabs are more closely related to spiders. Their hard, dome-shaped carapace and spiky tail help protect them and aid in flipping if overturned.

A shot of Horseshoe Crabs | nature_nj/instagram

Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster planci)

This coral-eating starfish is covered in venomous spines. The thorny appearance serves both as defence and camouflage, making it difficult for predators to consume them safely.

A look at Crown-of-Thorns Starfish | Wikimedia Commons

Spiny Turtle (Heosemys spinosa)

Native to Southeast Asia, the spiny turtle’s shell features sharp, pointed edges. This spiky carapace provides extra protection in forest environments and aids in camouflage among leaf litter.

A shot of Spiny Turtle | Wikimedia Commons

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