Anteaters | Vermilingua

Anteaters | Vermilingua

Description
Description

Anteaters, or Vermilingua, are a suborder of mammals known for their specialized diet of ants and termites. These creatures, native to Central and South America, possess elongated snouts and long, sticky tongues adapted for extracting insects from nests. Lacking teeth, they rely on their powerful foreclaws to tear open mounds and logs. Anteaters have evolved a low metabolic rate to compensate for their nutrient-poor diet. Habitats vary from rainforests to savannas, with species like the giant anteater requiring large territories. Fossil records suggest their ancestors thrived after the dinosaurs, diversifying into the unique forms we see today. Preservation of their habitats is crucial for their survival.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Anteaters are unique creatures with long, tubular snouts housing a sticky, protruding tongue, perfect for slurping up ants and termites. They have strong, curved foreclaws for digging into insect nests, but walk on their knuckles to keep these claws sharp. Their coarse fur protects them from insect bites and camouflages them in their environment. Anteaters have a keen sense of smell to locate food but have poor vision. They communicate through hisses and snorts and move with a slow, ambling gait, although they can sprint if necessary. Their tail, especially bushy in the giant anteater, serves as a blanket for warmth.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Anteaters and humans share a relationship marked by fascination and conservation challenges. Indigenous peoples have historically hunted them for food and used their pelts. In modern times, anteaters have captured the public's imagination, featuring in animated films like "The Pink Panther" and "Ice Age."

These creatures, often seen as pest controllers, face threats from habitat destruction and hunting. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats and educating the public. Organizations like the IUCN work tirelessly to ensure these unique animals continue to thrive in the wild, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity for a healthy ecosystem.

Common Questions
Common Questions
Why do anteaters have long noses?

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.

What are the anteater's predators?

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.

Are anteaters aggressive?

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.

Animals

* Under Development *

21.7”-25.6” | 55-65 cm
11.8”-13.8” | 30-35 cm
39.4”-47.2” | 100-120 cm (Body)
60-110 lb | 27-50 kg
14-26 years
Giant Anteater
65.000
35.000
120.000
50.000
26.00
23400
GUIDE
3D
Giant Anteater
9”-15” | 23-38 cm
7.5”-11.8” | 19-30 cm
18.5”-30.3” | 47-77 cm (Body)
6.6-12 lb | 3-5.4 kg
7-10 years
Northern Tamandua
38.000
30.000
77.000
5.400
10.00
2500
GUIDE
3D
Northern Tamandua
9”-11.4” | 23-29 cm
7.1”-8.7” | 18-22 cm
13.8”-17.7” | 35-45 cm (Body)
.4-.9 lb | .18-.4 kg
2-3 years
Silky Anteater
29.000
22.000
45.000
0.400
3.00
6900
GUIDE
3D
Silky Anteater
10.6”-17.3” | 27-44 cm
8.3”-13.8” | 21-35 cm
20.9”-35” | 53-89 cm (Body)
8-19 lb | 3.6-8.6 kg
7-9 years
Southern Tamandua
44.000
35.000
89.000
8.600
9.00
3500
GUIDE
3D
Southern Tamandua
Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla)
Comparison drawing of the Southern Tamandua compared to other anteaters

The Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) is a solitary anteater found in South America and also Trinidad in distributed forests and even arid savanna. It is also called the lesser anteater or collared anteater. It is identified by its prehensile tail that is hairless at the end, a snout that is long and decurved, and very strong claws for defense and breaking termite molds. Many have the same body color as the northern tamandua with a black-vested pattern or incomplete vest. This solitary animal is nocturnal and communicates by hissing or producing a potent odor.

The Southern Tamandua has a body length in the range of 20.9”-35” (53-89 cm) and total weight of 8-19 lb (3.6-8.6 kg). The Southern Tamandua has an estimated standing height between 10.6”-17.3” (27-44 cm), body width of 8.3”-13.8” (21-35 cm), and tail length of 15.75”-23.2” (40-59 cm). The typical lifespan of the Southern Tamandua is between 7-9 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Southern Tamandua
The Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) is a solitary anteater found in South America and also Trinidad in distributed forests and even arid savanna. It is also called the lesser anteater or collared anteater. It is identified by its prehensile tail that is hairless at the end.

The Southern Tamandua has a body length in the range of 20.9”-35” (53-89 cm) and total weight of 8-19 lb (3.6-8.6 kg). The Southern Tamandua has an estimated standing height between 10.6”-17.3” (27-44 cm), body width of 8.3”-13.8” (21-35 cm), and tail length of 15.75”-23.2” (40-59 cm). The typical lifespan of the Southern Tamandua is between 7-9 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Southern Tamandua
Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla)
Height:
10.6”-17.3” | 27-44 cm
Width:
8.3”-13.8” | 21-35 cm
Length:
20.9”-35” | 53-89 cm (Body)
Depth:
Weight:
8-19 lb | 3.6-8.6 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 15.75”-23.2” | 40-59 cm

Scientific Name
Tamandua tetradactyla
Lifespan
7-9 years

Drawings include:

Southern Tamandua side view, front

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Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana)
Scale illustration of an average Northern Tamandua compared to other anteater species

The most obvious place to find the Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana) is in the arid savanna, plantations, and rainforests of Central America. This anteater is easy to identify with its prehensile tail, long snout, and small eyes and ears. The body is covered in yellow fur with a distinct black patch over the back and shoulders. The forelimbs have four toes and the hind limbs have five toes. Its fur is short, bristly, dense, and coarse. Females give birth to live young that they care for. These animals are solitary, arboreal except during feeding, and are active during the day and night. It communicates by hissing or producing a potent odor.

The Northern Tamandua has a body length in the range of 18.5”-30.3” (47-77 cm) and total weight of 6.6-12 lb (3-5.4 kg). The Northern Tamandua has an estimated standing height between 9”-15” (23-38 cm), body width of 7.5”-11.8” (19-30 cm), and tail length of 15.75”-26.8” (40-68 cm). The typical lifespan of the Northern Tamandua is between 7-10 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Northern Tamandua
The most obvious place to find the Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana) is in the arid savanna, plantations, and rainforests of Central America. This anteater is easy to identify with its prehensile tail, long snout, and small eyes and ears. The body is covered in yellow fur with a black patch.

The Northern Tamandua has a body length in the range of 18.5”-30.3” (47-77 cm) and total weight of 6.6-12 lb (3-5.4 kg). The Northern Tamandua has an estimated standing height between 9”-15” (23-38 cm), body width of 7.5”-11.8” (19-30 cm), and tail length of 15.75”-26.8” (40-68 cm). The typical lifespan of the Northern Tamandua is between 7-10 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Northern Tamandua
Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana)
Height:
9”-15” | 23-38 cm
Width:
7.5”-11.8” | 19-30 cm
Length:
18.5”-30.3” | 47-77 cm (Body)
Depth:
Weight:
6.6-12 lb | 3-5.4 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 15.75”-26.8” | 40-68 cm

Scientific Name
Tamandua mexicana
Lifespan
7-10 years

Drawings include:

Northern Tamandua side view, front

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Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
Comparison drawing of the Giant Anteater compared to other anteaters

The most common feature of the Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is the long distinctive snout covering a long tongue. It is the largest in the family of anteaters and is mostly found in the forests, grasslands, and swamps of Central and South America. It is insectivorous and terrestrial. The giant anteater has a distinctive colored pelage, bushy tail, elongated snout, long fore claws, and small eyes and ears. The fur on the body is thick and coarse and brown with occasional strips of black and white on the shoulder. It is a solitary animal, except for mating or mothers with young ones. Besides, it is diurnal.

The Giant Anteater has a body length in the range of 39.4”-47.2” (100-120 cm) and total weight of 60-110 lb (27-50 kg). The Giant Anteater has an estimated standing height between 21.7”-25.6” (55-65 cm), body width of 11.8”-13.8” (30-35 cm), and tail length of 25.6”-35.4” (65-90 cm). The typical lifespan of the Giant Anteater is between 14-26 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Giant Anteater
The most common feature of the Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is the long distinctive snout covering a long tongue. It is the largest in the family of anteaters and is mostly found in the forests, grasslands, and swamps of Central and South America. It is insectivorous and terrestrial.

The Giant Anteater has a body length in the range of 39.4”-47.2” (100-120 cm) and total weight of 60-110 lb (27-50 kg). The Giant Anteater has an estimated standing height between 21.7”-25.6” (55-65 cm), body width of 11.8”-13.8” (30-35 cm), and tail length of 25.6”-35.4” (65-90 cm). The typical lifespan of the Giant Anteater is between 14-26 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Giant Anteater
Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
Height:
21.7”-25.6” | 55-65 cm
Width:
11.8”-13.8” | 30-35 cm
Length:
39.4”-47.2” | 100-120 cm (Body)
Depth:
Weight:
60-110 lb | 27-50 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 25.6”-35.4” | 65-90 cm

Scientific Name
Myrmecophaga tridactyla
Lifespan
14-26 years

Drawings include:

Giant Anteater side view, front

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Silky Anteater (Cyclopes didactylus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Silky Anteater to other species of anteaters

The Silky Anteater (Cyclopes didactylus) has unique features. Its hind feet are modified for climbing and is mostly arboreal and nocturnal. It inhabits the forests of Central and South America and is considered the smallest anteater. For this reason, it is sometimes called pygmy anteater. It feeds on arboreal insects and termites and is also an opportunistic feeder. The underparts and limbs can be pale, with dark brown streaks and the sole of the feet red. The eyes are black and the face is short, and it has partial prehensile tails.

The Silky Anteater has a body length in the range of 13.8”-17.7” (35-45 cm) and total weight of .4-.9 lb (.18-.4 kg). The Silky Anteater has an estimated standing height between 9”-11.4” (23-29 cm), body width of 7.1”-8.7” (18-22 cm), and tail length of 6.7”-9.4” (17-24 cm). The typical lifespan of the Silky Anteater is between 2-3 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Silky Anteater in various poses with dimensions
The Silky Anteater (Cyclopes didactylus) has unique features. Its hind feet are modified for climbing and is mostly arboreal and nocturnal. It inhabits the forests of Central and South America and is considered the smallest anteater. For this reason, it is sometimes called pygmy anteater.

The Silky Anteater has a body length in the range of 13.8”-17.7” (35-45 cm) and total weight of .4-.9 lb (.18-.4 kg). The Silky Anteater has an estimated standing height between 9”-11.4” (23-29 cm), body width of 7.1”-8.7” (18-22 cm), and tail length of 6.7”-9.4” (17-24 cm). The typical lifespan of the Silky Anteater is between 2-3 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Silky Anteater in various poses with dimensions
Silky Anteater (Cyclopes didactylus)
Height:
9”-11.4” | 23-29 cm
Width:
7.1”-8.7” | 18-22 cm
Length:
13.8”-17.7” | 35-45 cm (Body)
Depth:
Weight:
.4-.9 lb | .18-.4 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 6.7”-9.4” | 17-24 cm

Scientific Name
Cyclopes didactylus
Lifespan
2-3 years

Drawings include:

Silky Anteater side view, front

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