- Who
- Giant anteater, Myrmecophaga tridactyla
- What
- 1.2–2 x 22–39 dimension(s)
- Where
- Not Applicable ()
The largest living species of true anteater is the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) of Central and South America, with a typical total length of between 1.2 and 2 metres (3 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 6 inches), though individual specimens up to 2.8 metres (9 feet 2 inches) have been documented. Of this length, 0.6–0.9 metres (1 foot 11 inches and 2 feet 11 inches) is comprised of the animal’s large, bushy tail. Adults typically weigh in the range of 22–39 kilograms (48–85 pounds).
Species that are not taxonomically true anteaters have also been referred to by this common name owing to their similar diet, including pangolins (Pholidota) as scaly anteaters and echidnas (Tachyglossa) as spiny anteaters. In any case, the giant anteater exceeds all anteaters (whether formal or informal) in size.
Giant anteaters are also the largest pilosan; Pilosa is a group of mammals native to South and Central America that includes anteaters, tamanduas and sloths.
As its name suggests, the giant anteater's primary diet is ants, though it also eats termites. It uses its super-long, worm-like tongue – which can grow up to 60 centimetres (1 foot 11 inches) – to raid the nests of these insects, of which it can consume around 30,000 in a day.
