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Animal of the week: A of Anteater

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Scientific name: Vermilingua
Lifespan: Giant anteater: 16 years
Higher classification: Pilosa
Gestation period: Southern tamandua: 130 – 190 days
Mass: Giant anteater: 73 – 90 lbs, Southern tamandua: 3.3 – 19 lbs,Silky anteater: 6.2 – 14 oz
Length: Giant anteater: 6 – 7.1 ft., Southern tamandua: 13 – 35 in., Silky anteater: 14 – 18 in.

 

Anteater is a common name for the four mammal species who are known for eating ants and termites. Anteaters live primarily in Central and South America.   They enjoy tropical forests and grassland ecosystems.  The four main types are different sizes. The silky anteater is the size of a squirrel and the giant anteater can reach 7 feet (2.1 meters) long (measuring from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail).

 According to National Geographic, anteaters will eat around 35,000 ants and termites whole everyday.  About.com states that they also eat other grubs and insects occasionally as well. Each anteater species has its own insect preference.

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