Glyptodon reticulatus

Glyptodon reticulatus is one of the largest known species of Glyptodon. It measured 3.3 m in length and weighed more than 1000 kg. Its name means “carved tooth”. Its tail, protected by mobile bony rings, was bristled with spikes like a club. Its formidable dorsal carapace, made up of hexagonal osteoderms that are fused together, served as armour. Several species of Glyptodon have been identified and described on the basis of the morphology of these little plates.

This is not a tortoise but rather a mammal belonging to the very peculiar Xenarthra group (sloths, armadillos, anteaters), which evolved endemically in South America, giving rise to giant species in the Quaternary. 

The Glyptodontidae were herbivores that lacked teeth at the front of the jaws but that had crushing teeth at the back. On their cheeks, very pronounced descending processes acted as points of attachment for the powerful muscles necessary for chewing tough vegetation.

Glyptodon remains have been found in Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil.