The giant anteater, Myrmecophaga tridactyla, is the largest of the four anteater species. Found across diverse habitats in Central and South America, these terrestrial insectivores are known for their distinct appearance and significant dimensions. Their diet of ants and termites has profoundly shaped their physical characteristics.
Overall Physical Dimensions
Giant anteaters’ total length, including nose and tail, ranges from 1.8 to 2.4 meters (6 to 8 feet). Their body length, from snout to rump, is between 100 to 120 centimeters (3.3 to 3.9 feet). They stand at a shoulder height of 55 to 65 centimeters (21.7 to 25.6 inches).
Adult giant anteaters weigh between 27 to 50 kilograms (60 to 110 pounds). Males are slightly heavier, weighing 33 to 50 kilograms (73 to 110 pounds), while females weigh 27 to 47 kilograms (60 to 104 pounds). They are substantial mammals, comparable in weight to a golden retriever, with an elongated form.
Distinctive Features Contributing to Size
The giant anteater’s size is enhanced by specialized anatomical features. Their long, bushy tail, measuring 65 to 90 centimeters (2.1 to 3.0 feet), adds to their total length and visual bulk. Its dense, long hair, sometimes reaching 40 centimeters (16 inches), makes it appear larger and provides warmth or shade.
The elongated snout, a hallmark of the species, is up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) long and is a significant portion of their head. This tubular snout houses an exceptionally long tongue, an adaptation for their insectivorous diet. The tongue can extend up to 61 centimeters (2 feet) outside the mouth, making it one of the longest tongues relative to body size. This sticky tongue, covered in tiny backward-pointing spines, efficiently collects up to 30,000 ants and termites daily by flicking it in and out up to 150 times per minute.
Their powerful foreclaws contribute to their physical capabilities. The second and third digits on their front feet have long, sharp claws up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) in length. These claws are used for tearing into termite mounds and ant hills, and for defense. To protect these claws from dulling, giant anteaters walk on their knuckles, tucking the claws inward.
Factors Influencing Size Variations
Variations in giant anteater size occur due to biological factors. Age plays a role, with juveniles being smaller than adults. Pups are born weighing approximately 1.4 to 2 kilograms (3 to 4.4 pounds) and grow significantly, often riding on their mother’s back for up to a year.
Sexual dimorphism is present, though not always easily discernible. Adult males weigh slightly more and are more robust than females. External anatomical differences are subtle, making visual sex determination challenging. Regional variations across their range in Central and South America can also lead to minor differences in average size, though overall dimensions remain within established ranges.