What nocturnal mammal can have up to 100 teeth in its jaw?

The giant armadillo can have up to 100 teeth in its jaw, more than any other terrestrial mammal. Its scientific name is Priodontes maximus, and it is the largest living armadillo, inhabiting parts of northern and central South America.

Its teeth are unusual even among mammals. The approximately 80–100 teeth are small, similar in shape, enamel-free, and continuously replaced or grown throughout life. They are adapted for crushing and processing the animal’s principal foods, especially termites and ants, rather than for cutting large prey.

Giant armadillos are mostly nocturnal and spend much of their time foraging. Their powerful forelimbs and enormous claws let them break into termite mounds and excavate burrows. The third front claw can reach about 22 cm, proportionally one of the largest claws of any living mammal.

The species is often confused with smaller armadillos or with anteaters because of its insect-based diet. Unlike anteaters, however, it is armored and has a long, scaled tail. Giant armadillos are considered vulnerable to extinction because of hunting, habitat loss, and capture for illegal trade.