Among the most remarkable of these specialized features is the mammalian tongue, which exhibits incredible diversity in form and function. From aiding in complex communication to facilitating specialized diets, tongues are far more varied than one might initially imagine.
The Mammal with the Longest Tongue
The mammal holding the record for the longest tongue relative to its body size is the tube-lipped nectar bat, Anoura fistulata. This small bat, found in the cloud forests of the Andes in Ecuador, possesses a tongue that can extend an extraordinary distance. Its tongue measures up to 8.5 centimeters (3.3 inches), which is approximately 1.5 times the length of its body, typically around 5.5 centimeters (2.1 inches).
How the Long Tongue is Used
The tube-lipped nectar bat’s long tongue serves a specialized purpose: accessing nectar from deep within long, tubular flowers. This bat is a primary pollinator for certain plant species, notably Centropogon nigricans, whose corolla tubes can be 8 to 9 centimeters long, matching the bat’s tongue extension. This co-evolutionary relationship allows the bat to tap into a food source that remains inaccessible to most other animals.
When not in use, the bat’s elongated tongue is retracted and stored within a specialized sheath, or glossal tube, that extends deep into the bat’s thoracic cavity, between its heart and sternum. The tip of the tongue is covered with papillae, which splay outwards when extended. These papillae increase the surface area to efficiently absorb nectar before the tongue is rapidly pulled back.
Diverse Tongues in the Mammal Kingdom
While the tube-lipped nectar bat holds the record for relative tongue length, many other mammals exhibit diverse tongue adaptations tailored to their feeding strategies. The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) possesses a tongue that can extend up to 60-61 centimeters (2 feet) outside its mouth. It is covered in sticky saliva and backward-facing barbs, enabling the anteater to consume up to 30,000 ants and termites in a single day by rapidly flicking its tongue up to 150 times per minute. Its tongue is also anchored to its sternum, allowing for its impressive reach.
Giraffes (Giraffa) also have long tongues, typically measuring between 45 and 55 centimeters (18 to 22 inches). Their prehensile tongues are adept at grasping and manipulating leaves, particularly from thorny acacia trees. The giraffe’s tongue is often dark in color, ranging from blue to black or purple, an adaptation believed to protect it from sunburn during prolonged foraging under the African sun.
Pangolins, often referred to as “scaly anteaters,” demonstrate another unique tongue adaptation for insectivory. Their tongues can reach up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) in length and are extremely sticky. Unlike most mammals, a pangolin’s tongue is anchored deep within its body, near the pelvis and last pair of ribs, allowing it to extend far into ant and termite nests. This specialized organ, combined with their ability to seal their nostrils and ears, enables them to effectively gather insects while protecting themselves from bites.