Anteaters | Vermilingua
Anteaters or Vermilingua have no teeth. Instead, have long tongues for swallowing ants. The body is mostly covered in grayish-brown fur, black stripes from the chest region to the back, white legs, and a bushy tail. They have an elongated snout, with a tube-shaped mouth. Their large, curved foreclaw is either used for defense or cracking termite mounds. Anteaters are endemic to Central and South America in savannas, open grasslands, and tropical and dry forests. They have less developed eyesight but a good sense of smell. Besides, they are solitary, with females laying a single offspring each year.
Anteaters feed on ants and termites. Its long nose is useful in accessing its favorite food in termite mounds or anthills. The tongue too is long, thin, and sticky, making it efficient in capturing termites. Unfortunately, the nose and tongue guarantee that the anteaters will grow no teeth.
The anteater is native to the wetlands and tropical forests of Central and South America. Its primary predators in these areas are jaguars and pumas. However, the anteater is one animal that rarely goes down without a fight, as during predation, it uses its sturdy forearm and sharp claws to defend itself or gallop.
Only when cornered will an anteater be aggressive and fight fiercely for its life by standing on its hind legs and using its strong four inches long front claws to fight. Otherwise, they are very loving and expressive and can even be kept as pets. However, they would still prefer a solitary lifestyle.
