Anteaters and aardvarks are often confused due to their similar appearance and specialized diets. Despite these resemblances, they are entirely distinct species from different evolutionary paths. This article clarifies their differences and unique characteristics.
Dispelling the Myth: Two Distinct Species
Anteaters and aardvarks belong to completely separate biological orders. Aardvarks are the sole living member of the order Tubulidentata and the family Orycteropodidae. Their closest living relatives are Afrotheria, which includes elephants, manatees, and hyraxes.
Conversely, anteaters are part of the suborder Vermilingua, which translates to “worm tongue,” and fall within the order Pilosa. This order also encompasses sloths and armadillos. The physical similarities between aardvarks and anteaters are a result of convergent evolution, a phenomenon where unrelated species develop similar traits due to adapting to similar environmental pressures or lifestyles.
Shared Traits: Why the Confusion Arises
Confusion between anteaters and aardvarks primarily stems from their shared ecological niche and physical adaptations. Both are specialized insectivores, meaning their diets consist almost exclusively of ants and termites, a behavior known as myrmecophagy. This dietary specialization has driven the evolution of similar features for accessing these insects.
Both species possess long snouts for sniffing out insect colonies. They also feature powerful claws for tearing into the hardened mounds of ants and termites. Once a nest is breached, both employ long, sticky tongues to efficiently collect their prey. Additionally, both aardvarks and most anteater species are predominantly solitary and nocturnal.
Uniquely Different: Key Distinguishing Features
Despite their shared adaptations, anteaters and aardvarks exhibit distinguishing characteristics in physical appearance, geographic distribution, and specific behaviors. Aardvarks, often described as pig-like, possess stout bodies with arched backs and relatively sparse, coarse hair. Their most notable features include a pig-like snout and disproportionately long, rabbit-like ears, measuring about 20 to 25 centimeters (7.9 to 9.8 inches). They have four toes on their front feet and five on their hind feet, each ending in strong, spade-like claws suitable for digging.
In contrast, anteaters, which include the giant anteater, tamanduas, and silky anteaters, have more elongated, tubular snouts and smaller eyes and ears. The giant anteater can reach lengths of up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) and has a distinctive bushy tail, often as long as its body. Their fur is generally denser, with the giant anteater displaying a striking black stripe edged in white running from its shoulders. Unlike aardvarks, anteaters walk on their knuckles to protect their long front claws.
Geographically, these animals inhabit different continents. Aardvarks are exclusively found across sub-Saharan Africa, thriving in savannas, grasslands, and woodlands. Anteaters are native to Central and South America, residing in tropical forests, rainforests, and savannas. The giant anteater is largely terrestrial, tamanduas are semi-arboreal, and the silky anteater is entirely arboreal.
Their feeding mechanisms also show subtle differences. While both consume ants and termites, anteaters lack teeth entirely, relying on their long, sticky tongues and muscular stomachs to process insects. Aardvarks possess peg-like molars, though no incisors or canines, and also use their powerful stomachs for digestion. Aardvarks are also known to occasionally supplement their insect diet with African cucumbers.