Description

The largest of the anteaters, the giant anteater has a body length of from three to four feet, a tail that is two to three feet long, and a weight of from 35 to 80 pounds. The hair is coarse and stiff, gray-brown on the head and body, becoming darker on the hindquarters and tail. Across the shoulders are wedge-shaped black stripes bordered with white. Both sexes are similar in size and coloration.

Giant anteaters walk on the knuckles of their front feet, apparently to protect their long, sickle-shaped claws from being blunted.

Distribution and Habitat

Giant anteaters are found in Central and South America, from southern Belize and Guatemala to northern Argentina. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including swamp, forest, grassland, and even densely populated areas.

Diet

As its name implies, the giant anteater feeds on ants, as well as on termites and soft-bodied grubs. It opens insect colonies and tree trunks with the long, sharp claws on its forelimbs, then uses its long, sticky tongue to collect the eggs, larvae, and adult insects. A giant anteater can consume several thousand insects in a few minutes.

Reproduction

Breeding may take place any time of the year. Average gestation period is 190 days, with single births being the rule.

Young are born with a full coat of hair and adult-like markings, and are capable of clinging to their mother at birth. A juvenile anteater rides on its mother's back until about one year of age. It is weaned at about six months, and will become independent at about 24 months. Both males and females become sexually mature at 2-1/2 to 4 years of age.

Habits and Behaviors

Giant anteaters are solitary, except for mother-young pairs, only coming together for mating. Although individual anteaters often have large, well-defined home ranges, they also wander extensively and seldom challenge trespassers.

Usually diurnal, they will become nocturnal in areas of high human density or during certain kinds of weather.

Unlike other anteaters, the giant anteater is almost entirely terrestrial, rarely climbing in the wild. It is also an excellent swimmer.

Sleeping occurs in abandoned burrows, dense vegetation, or depressions in the ground.

If cornered, an anteater will rear up on its hind legs and slash out with its claws, keeping all but the most determined predators at bay. Its prefered method of defense, however, is to run away.

Scientific Classification

Phylum Chordata
Subphylum Vertebrata
Class Mammalia
Order Edentata
Family Myrmecophagidae
Genus and Species Myrmecophaga tridactyla

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