The two species differ in several aspects, including age, with G. texanum being from the older Early Pliocene to Early Pleistocene strata, whereas G. cylindricum is exclusive to the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene.Glyptotherium was a large, quadrapedral (four-legged), herbivorous armadillo with an armored carapace (top shell) that was made of hundreds of interconnected osteoderms (structures in dermis composed of bone). Other pieces of armor covered the tail and cranium roof, the skull being tall with hypsodont (high-crowned) teeth.
The two species differ in several key aspects, including age, with G. texanum dating from the Early Pliocene to Early Pleistocene epochs, whereas G. cylindricum is limited to the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene periods. Glyptotherium was a large, quadrupedal armadillo featuring a protective shell composed of numerous bony plates, as well as armor covering its tail and skull.