Photo by Joel Sartore

Scientific Name: Myrmecophaga tridactyla

This species is, like its name suggests, the largest of the living anteaters in the world. Their sticky tongues can measure up to 20 inches long.

• Size: Weight: 40 to 86 pounds; Head to body length: 3.2 to 3.9 feet; Tail length: 2 to 3 feet
• Diet: Primarily ants and termites, and soft-bodied grubs
• Habitat: Tropical moist forests, dry forests, savanna habitats and open grasslands
• Range in the Wild: Central and South America

Conservation Status

Listed as Vulnerable. Major threat is habitat loss.

Learn more about this animal.