The Northern Tamandua is a medium-sized anteater with a black 'vest' pattern on its sides and a prehensile tail used for climbing. It uses its powerful foreclaws to tear apart termite mounds and arboreal ant nests, lapping up insects with its long, sticky tongue. Each individual can consume up to 9,000 insects daily. It inhabits tropical forests and scrublands from Mexico to South America.
Not certain it is a Northern Tamandua? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Northern Tamandua sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Northern Tamandua? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Northern Tamandua is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love mammals? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.