Anteaters belong to the family Myrmecophagidae, a Latin name for insects-eating mammals. These toothless mammals use wormlike, sticky tongues to trap their prey. Anteaters have a tabular muzzle with a small mouth opening. However, the anteater's tongue, which is 24 inches long, has large salivary glands.

Anteaters trap insects by inserting their sticky tongues into the insects' nests. Their long, sharp, and curved claws help them tear insects' nests. Small and giant anteaters use these claws for self-defense when threatened. Anteater refers to any of the four species of suborder Vermilinguas. The largest and extant species of anteater that most people know is the giant anteater. They are commonly known for their long bodies.

Fun Facts:

• There are four species of ant and termite-eating mammals.
• The giant anteater is the largest, most known, and long-lived anteater.
• Anteaters have elongated skulls that feature tubular muzzles and mouths.
• Although they can’t see well, anteaters can hear and smell very well. They use their heightened sense of smell to track their prey.
• Did you know anteaters can smell 40 times better than men?
• On average, anteaters eat 30,000 insects a day!
• Anteaters travel and live alone. Mothers and their offspring live in pairs.
• The silky anteater is the smallest termite-eating mammal.
• Some anteaters (like the collared anteater) live in trees, while the giant anteater lives in wide, grassy plains.
• Anteaters are edentates, meaning they have no teeth. Other animals without teeth are sloths and armadillos.
• These mammals have the lowest body temperatures at 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Scientists believe this low temp stems from little nutrition and energy value in their diet.