This animal, about long, was very similar to a modern armadillo. In particular, the appearance likely recalled that of the modern
Euphractus, and it already had the typical well-developed xenarthral joints on the vertebrae. Among the other characteristics in common with the modern armadillos,
Utaetus possessed a bony connection between the ischium and the sacrum (this structure was constituted by caudal vertebrae known as pseudosacral) and continuous-growth cylindrical teeth similar to chisels, with wear in the occlusal part. There were ten lower teeth on each side of the jaw; the first two were much smaller and are interpreted as incisors. Unlike later armadillos, however,
Utaetus still had a varying amount of enamel on the lingual and buccal surfaces of the teeth, and the cervical vertebrae were separated (and not co-ossified). The skeleton shows that this animal was adapted for digging, as evidenced by the presence of a large acromion on the scapula and a prominent olecranon on the ulna. The posterior margin of the scapula was thickened, and formed a secondary incipient spine. == Classification ==