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Predators. Diseases and parasites. Conservation. References. External links. Anteaters are the four extant mammal species in the suborder Vermilingua [1] (meaning "worm tongue"), commonly known for eating ants and termites. The individual species have other names in English and other languages.
Apr 12, 2024 · anteater, (suborder Vermilingua), any of four species of toothless, insect -eating mammals found in tropical savannas and forests from southern Mexico to Paraguay and northern Argentina. They are long-tailed animals with elongated skulls and tubular muzzles.
Anteaters are found across Central America, usually in tropical savannahs and forests, spanning from southern Mexico to Paraguay and northern Argentina. It’s worth noting, though, that each species of anteater is found in a different habitat and area: The giant anteater inhabits forests, savannahs, and open grasslands.
Sep 14, 2023 · When threatened, anteaters can lift their tail and expose sharp spines, deterring potential predators. The Anteater’s Habitat and Distribution. The habitats of anteaters vary depending on the species. Giant anteaters are found primarily in savannahs and grasslands, while silky anteaters inhabit tropical rainforests.
- Anteater Tongues Are Covered in Spines. Anteaters use their tongues as their primary tool for gathering food. These organs can be up to two feet in length and come covered in small, spiny protrusions and sticky saliva.
- They Have Knifelike Claws. Though they have four feet, only the forefront toes have claws on them. Interestingly, when walking, anteaters curl their feet into fistlike balls to keep the claws protected and prevent dulling.
- Anteaters Don't Just Eat Ants. The average giant anteater eats up to 30,000 ants and termites in a day. They use quick flicking motions to scoop and suck up their food, up to several hundred flicks per minute.
- Anteaters Have No Teeth. In scientific terms, an animal with no teeth at all is known as an edentate. Sloths and armadillos are edentates, as well. Their lack of teeth doesn't seem to pose any problems for anteaters, as their tongues and claws do all the work when it comes to foraging.
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Average Life Span In The Wild: 14 years. Size: Head and body: 6 to 49 inches; tail: 7 to 35 inches. Weight: 40 to 140 pounds. ... Anteaters are edentate animals—they have no teeth.
Feb 10, 2022 · While anteaters are relatively safe from predators in their natural habitats, they are still vulnerable to certain animals. Jaguars, pumas, and ocelots are the main predators of anteaters in the wild. When a jaguar or a puma spots an anteater, they will try to sneak up on it and attack.
