Xenarthrans | Xenarthra

Xenarthrans | Xenarthra

Description
Description

Xenarthrans, or Xenarthra, are a unique group of placental mammals known for their distinctive vertebral structures. This superorder includes armadillos, sloths, and anteaters, which are primarily found in Latin America. Their evolutionary history traces back to the Paleocene era, around 59 million years ago. Xenarthrans exhibit a variety of habitats, from rainforests to grasslands. Armadillos are known for their bony armor and burrowing habits. Sloths are tree-dwellers, renowned for their slow movement and metabolic rates. Anteaters are adapted for a diet of insects, with elongated snouts and specialized tongues. These creatures are integral parts of their ecosystems, playing significant roles in soil aeration, tree growth, and insect population control.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Xenarthrans, a group encompassing armadillos, sloths, and anteaters, are known for their specialized anatomies. Armadillos boast protective bony plates, while sloths have elongated limbs for tree-climbing and hanging. Anteaters feature long snouts and tongues for insect consumption. Xenarthrans are generally slow movers; sloths are famously leisurely, conserving energy with slow, deliberate movements. Speech isn't a prominent feature, but they do communicate through various sounds and scents. Their senses are adapted to their lifestyles; for example, anteaters have an acute sense of smell to locate food, while sloths rely on vision and touch to navigate their arboreal habitats. These adaptations make them fascinatingly unique among mammals.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Humans have long been fascinated by the unique characteristics of Xenarthrans, with sloths becoming symbols of relaxation and anteaters appearing in various forms of media due to their distinct appearance. Conservation efforts are critical for many species within this group, as habitat destruction and human encroachment pose significant threats. Organizations worldwide are working to protect their natural environments and raise awareness about their plights. In pop culture, characters like Flash the sloth from "Zootopia" have endeared these creatures to the public, helping to increase interest in their conservation. Efforts continue to ensure these remarkable animals remain a part of our world's biodiversity.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What are the primary traits of a Xenarthran?

Xenarthrans include anteaters, armadillos, and sloths. The most common feature they share is possessing limbs with sharp claws. These limbs are adapted to digging and climbing. Other features include extra joints on their backbone, possession of ossified sternal ribs, and a secondary scapular spine. They also have low metabolic rates and internal testes.

What do Xenarthrans eat?

Not all Xenarthrans have the same diet. Anteaters are mostly insectivores feeding on ants and termites, while sloths are folivorous feeding on leaves and twigs. Armadillos are omnivores, feeding on plant matter and small animals. The shape of their claws and dental formulas can be used to identify the food a Xenarthran eats.

What are the common habitats for Xenarthrans?

Xenarthrans are found in the Americas, specifically South and Central America. This is in the tropical rainforest and even temperate grasslands. In these environments, you will find sloths being arboreal while armadillos and anteaters are terrestrials. Besides, they are also solitary and can be nocturnal or diurnal. However, this will depend on the area a Xenarthran lives in.

Animals

* Under Development *

5.9”-12.2” | 15-31 cm (Body)
7.1”-14.2” | 18-36 cm
16.5”-31.5” | 42-80 cm (Body)
4.9-13.9 lb | 2.2-6.3 kg
25-40 years
Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth
31.000
36.000
80.000
6.300
40.00
1750
GUIDE
3D
Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth
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
12.2”-16.1” | 31-41 cm
11.4”-14.6” | 29-37 cm
29.5”-37.8” | 75-96 cm (Body)
39.7-72.8 lb | 18-33 kg
12-16 years
Giant Armadillo
41.000
37.000
96.000
33.000
16.00
11600
GUIDE
3D
Giant Armadillo
6.3”-8.7” | 16-22 cm (Body)
7.1”-9.8” | 18-25 cm
21.25”-29.1” | 54-74 cm (Body)
9.9-23.1 lb | 4.5-10.5 kg
12-43 years
Hoffmann's Two-Toed Sloth
22.000
25.000
74.000
10.500
43.00
1300
GUIDE
3D
Hoffmann's Two-Toed Sloth
6.3”-10.2” | 16-26 cm (Body)
7.1”-11.8” | 18-30 cm
21.25”-34.6” | 54-88 cm (Body)
8.8-24.3 lb | 4-11 kg
20-40 years
Linnaeus's Two-Toed Sloth
26.000
30.000
88.000
11.000
40.00
1000
GUIDE
3D
Linnaeus's Two-Toed Sloth
6.7”-10.2” | 17-26 cm (Body)
8.7”-11.8” | 22-30 cm
21.7”-29.9” | 55-76 cm (Body)
8.8-22 lb | 4-10 kg
12-40 years
Maned Three-Toed Sloth
26.000
30.000
76.000
10.000
40.00
1000
GUIDE
3D
Maned Three-Toed Sloth
7.1”-11” | 18-28 cm
7.1”-10.2” | 18-26 cm
15”-22.8” | 38-58 cm (Body)
17.6-37.5 lb | 8-17 kg
12-23 years
Nine-banded Armadillo
28.000
26.000
58.000
17.000
23.00
5400
GUIDE
3D
Nine-banded Armadillo
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
6.3”-9.8” | 16-25 cm (Body)
7.5”-11.8” | 19-30 cm
18.1”-29.9” | 46-76 cm (Body)
6.6-14.3 lb | 3-6.5 kg
30-40 years
Pale-Throated Three-Toed Sloth
25.000
30.000
76.000
6.500
40.00
1030
GUIDE
3D
Pale-Throated Three-Toed Sloth
Pichi
20150
4.7”-7.1” | 12-18 cm
4.1”-5.9” | 10.5-15 cm
10.2”-13.8” | 26-35 cm (Body)
1.5-3.3 lb | .7-1.5 kg
9-13 years
Pichi
18.000
15.000
35.000
1.500
13.00
20150
GUIDE
3D
Pichi
1.2”-1.8” | 3-4.5 cm
.8”-1.2” | 2-3 cm
3.15”-4.7” | 8-12 cm (Body)
.22-.26 lb | .1-.12 kg
3-4 years
Pink Fairy Armadillo
4.500
3.000
12.000
0.120
4.00
27600
GUIDE
3D
Pink Fairy Armadillo
4.7”-5.5” | 12-14 cm (Body)
5.9”-6.7” | 15-17 cm
17.3”-20.9” | 44-53 cm (Body)
5.5-7.7 lb | 2.5-3.5 kg
30-40 years
Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth
14.000
17.000
53.000
3.500
40.00
2950
GUIDE
3D
Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth
4.3”-8.3” | 11-21 cm
3.9”-7.1” | 10-18 cm
8.7”-16.5” | 22-42 cm (Body)
.66-2.9 lb | .3-1.3 kg
9-16 years
Screaming Hairy Armadillo
21.000
18.000
42.000
1.300
16.00
2650
GUIDE
3D
Screaming Hairy Armadillo
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
7.5”-9.8” | 19-25 cm
6.3”-7.9” | 16-20 cm
15.75”-19.7” | 40-50 cm (Body)
7.1-14.3 lb | 3.2-6.5 kg
15-22 years
Six-Banded Armadillo
25.000
20.000
50.000
6.500
22.00
820
GUIDE
3D
Six-Banded Armadillo
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
Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth (Bradypus variegatus)
Comparison drawing of the Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth compared to other anteaters

The Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus variegatus) is the most common three-toed sloth. It inhabits the tropical forest and semi-deciduous forests of Central and South America. It has a short tail, feet with long fingers, and long curved claws. Besides, it has a rounded head, blunt nose, and a body covered in grayish-brown to beige fur, though the throat, side of the face, and forehead have dark brown fur. The ears are not clearly visible. The brown-throated three-toed sloth practices monogamy with females vocalizing to attract males. In addition, it is solitary, an herbivore, and active both day and night.

The Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth has a body length in the range of 16.5”-31.5” (42-80 cm) and total weight of 4.9-13.9 lb (2.2-6.3 kg). The Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth has a body height between 5.9”-12.2” (15-31 cm), body width of 7.1”-14.2” (18-36 cm), and tail length of 1”-3.5” (2.5-9 cm). The typical lifespan of the Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth is between 25-40 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth
The Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus variegatus) is the most common three-toed sloth. It inhabits the tropical forest and semi-deciduous forests of Central and South America. It has a short tail, feet with long fingers, and long curved claws.

The Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth has a body length in the range of 16.5”-31.5” (42-80 cm) and total weight of 4.9-13.9 lb (2.2-6.3 kg). The Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth has a body height between 5.9”-12.2” (15-31 cm), body width of 7.1”-14.2” (18-36 cm), and tail length of 1”-3.5” (2.5-9 cm). The typical lifespan of the Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth is between 25-40 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth
Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth (Bradypus variegatus)
Height:
5.9”-12.2” | 15-31 cm (Body)
Width:
7.1”-14.2” | 18-36 cm
Length:
16.5”-31.5” | 42-80 cm (Body)
Depth:
Weight:
4.9-13.9 lb | 2.2-6.3 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 1”-3.5” | 2.5-9 cm

Scientific Name
Bradypus variegatus
Lifespan
25-40 years

Drawings include:

Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloth 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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Maned Three-Toed Sloth (Bradypus torquatus)
Scale illustration of an average Maned Three-Toed Sloth compared to other anteater species

The Maned Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus torquatus) is endemic to the hilly and forested areas of the Brazilian coast. Its fur usually has a greenish tint with a unique pattern (extending from the hind legs to the head). It is arboreal and constantly found hanging in trees with dense foliage. Its limbs are long, with curved claws forming a hook, tail short and stubby. Females are larger and heavier than males. It mainly consumes leaves. Another common feature is its cryptic coloring and slow movement. This sloth produces high-pitched calls when distressed or captured.

The Maned Three-Toed Sloth has a body length in the range of 21.7”-29.9” (55-76 cm) and total weight of 8.8-22 lb (4-10 kg). The Maned Three-Toed Sloth has a body height between 6.7”-10.2” (17-26 cm), body width of 8.7”-11.8” (22-30 cm), and tail length of 1.9”-2” (4.8-5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Maned Three-Toed Sloth is between 12-40 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Maned Three-Toed Sloth
The Maned Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus torquatus) is endemic to the hilly and forested areas of the Brazilian coast. Its fur usually has a greenish tint with a unique pattern (extending from the hind legs to the head). It is arboreal and constantly found hanging in trees with dense foliage.

The Maned Three-Toed Sloth has a body length in the range of 21.7”-29.9” (55-76 cm) and total weight of 8.8-22 lb (4-10 kg). The Maned Three-Toed Sloth has a body height between 6.7”-10.2” (17-26 cm), body width of 8.7”-11.8” (22-30 cm), and tail length of 1.9”-2” (4.8-5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Maned Three-Toed Sloth is between 12-40 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Maned Three-Toed Sloth
Maned Three-Toed Sloth (Bradypus torquatus)
Height:
6.7”-10.2” | 17-26 cm (Body)
Width:
8.7”-11.8” | 22-30 cm
Length:
21.7”-29.9” | 55-76 cm (Body)
Depth:
Weight:
8.8-22 lb | 4-10 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 1.9”-2” | 4.8-5 cm

Scientific Name
Bradypus torquatus
Lifespan
12-40 years

Drawings include:

Maned Three-Toed Sloth 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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Six-Banded Armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Six-Banded Armadillo to other species of armadillo

The savannah and even drier areas of eastern South America (Euphractus sexcinctus) are the ideal places to find the Six-banded Armadillo and its burrows. Some communities call it the yellow armadillo. A unique feature of this armadillo is the reddish-brown or pale yellow carapace covered with white bristle-like hairs. The forefeet has five toes. It is solitary, alert, and omnivore, with a good sense of smell, but has less-developed eyesight. The head is pointed and flatted and is also covered by large plates with distinctive patterns. Females give birth to live young ones.

The Six-Banded Armadillo has a body length in the range of 15.75”-19.7” (40-50 cm) and total weight of 7.1-14.3 lb (3.2-6.5 kg). The Six-Banded Armadillo has an estimated standing height between 7.5”-9.8” (19-25 cm), body width of 6.3”-7.9” (16-20 cm), and tail length of 7.9”-9.8” (20-25 cm). The typical lifespan of the Six-Banded Armadillo is between 15-22 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Six-Banded Armadillo in various poses with dimensions
The savannah and even drier areas of eastern South America (Euphractus sexcinctus) are the ideal places to find the Six-banded Armadillo and its burrows. Some communities call it the yellow armadillo. A unique feature of this armadillo is the reddish-brown or yellow carapace covered with white hair.

The Six-Banded Armadillo has a body length in the range of 15.75”-19.7” (40-50 cm) and total weight of 7.1-14.3 lb (3.2-6.5 kg). The Six-Banded Armadillo has an estimated standing height between 7.5”-9.8” (19-25 cm), body width of 6.3”-7.9” (16-20 cm), and tail length of 7.9”-9.8” (20-25 cm). The typical lifespan of the Six-Banded Armadillo is between 15-22 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Six-Banded Armadillo in various poses with dimensions
Six-Banded Armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus)
Height:
7.5”-9.8” | 19-25 cm
Width:
6.3”-7.9” | 16-20 cm
Length:
15.75”-19.7” | 40-50 cm (Body)
Depth:
Weight:
7.1-14.3 lb | 3.2-6.5 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 7.9”-9.8” | 20-25 cm

Scientific Name
Euphractus sexcinctus
Lifespan
15-22 years

Drawings include:

Six-Banded Armadillo side view, front

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