Anteaters and Relatives - Order Xenarthra
Anteaters and their relatives (Order Xenarthra) form a group of mammals that includes anteaters, sloths, and armadillos. Xenarthrans inhabit areas of South America and the southern parts of North America. They are primarily insectivores, herbivores, and frugivores.
Giant Anteater - Myrmecophaga tridactyla
The Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) grows to lengths of 1m-2m (3.3ft-6.6ft) and reaches weights in the range of 22kg-39kg (48.5lb-86lb). Long straw-like brown-black fur covers its body which grows to lengths of up to 40cm (15.7in) on its bushy tail.
The Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) grows to lengths of 1m-2m (3.3ft-6.6ft) and reaches weights in the range of 22kg-39kg (48.5lb-86lb). Long straw-like brown-black fur covers its body which grows to lengths of up to 40cm (15.7in) on its bushy tail.
Nine-Banded Armadillo - Dasypus novemcinctus
The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is an intriguing creature with bony armor and leathery skin covering its body. Eight to ten bony bands encircle its midriff, enabling it a certain amount of flexibility.
The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is an intriguing creature with bony armor and leathery skin covering its body. Eight to ten bony bands encircle its midriff, enabling it a certain amount of flexibility.
Southern Tamandua - Tamandua tetradactyla
The southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) has an elongated snout and is covered by creamy yellow-brown fur. Tamaduas in the southeastern part of their range have a black patch resembling a vest that curves around the mammal's front limbs, over its shoulders and onto its back and sides.
The southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) has an elongated snout and is covered by creamy yellow-brown fur. Tamaduas in the southeastern part of their range have a black patch resembling a vest that curves around the mammal's front limbs, over its shoulders and onto its back and sides.
Xenarthrans (Order Xenarthra)
Armadillos, sloths, and anteaters belong to the Order Xenarthra. Xenarthrans comprise an ancient group of placental mammals that once roamed across Gondwanaland before the continents of the Southern Hemisphere separated into their present day configuration.
Armadillos, sloths, and anteaters belong to the Order Xenarthra. Xenarthrans comprise an ancient group of placental mammals that once roamed across Gondwanaland before the continents of the Southern Hemisphere separated into their present day configuration.