Anteaters are one of nature’s most fascinating creatures, and you’ll come to appreciate them even more once you learn some fun facts about them. We’re bringing you five facts about anteaters’ interesting biology that will certainly blow your mind.
Unique Tongues
Tongues are one of the most unique parts of anteaters’ anatomy. They can be up to two feet long and come covered in small, spine-like protrusions and sticky saliva, helping these animals gather food.
No Teeth
Despite having pretty impressive tongues, there’s not much else going on in anteaters’ mouths. Tongues and their knife-like claws do all the work when it comes to gathering food because they have no teeth.
Not Just Ants
Despite what their name might suggest, anteaters eat much more than ants. In addition to being able to eat up to 30,000 ants and termites a day, fruit, bird eggs, worms, and other insects can also be a part of their diet.
Low Body Temperature
Since most of the food they consume has little to no nutritious or energy value, anteaters have one of the lowest body temperatures among mammals and their bodies adapt by conserving energy.
Giving Birth
Anteaters have pretty unique birthing habits, and it’s common for females to deliver their babies in an upright position, using their tails for support.
