Panochthus is a glyptodont, extinct relative of armadillos. The scutes forming its carapace were thick, with a design made up of many small uniform figures that bear small delicate holes. Its caudal tube – the armor in its tail – was large, but unlike that of Doedicurus, it was a bit flattened and did not expand at the end. However, it does have scarring that might suggest the presence of corneous spikes. With or without them, its tail must have been a formidable weapon. These animals weighed over a ton and a loose translation of their name could be “full of prominences”.