[2] Analysis of ear morphology suggests that they are most closely related to the much larger glyptodonts, which genetic evidence indicates is nested with modern armadillos as part of the family Chlamyphoridae, which by extension also places pampatheres within this group.

Phylogeny after Tambusso et al. (2021):[4]Dasypodidae Euphractinae Chlamyphorinae Tolypeutinae †Pampatheres †Glyptodonts Pampatheres are believed to have attained a weight of up to 200 kg (440 lb).

Like three-banded armadillos, and unlike glyptodonts, their armored shell was given some flexibility by three movable lateral bands of scutes.

[5] A study of pampathere jaw biomechanics showed that their masticatory musculature was more powerful and more adapted for transverse movements than that of armadillos, leading to the conclusion that much of their diet was coarse vegetation.

[6] Pampatheres were widely distributed across South America during the Pleistocene ranging from northern Argentina, eastwards to northeastern Brazil, and westwards to Colombia and Peru.