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.
Habitat
Tropical forests, scrublands, and savannas of Mexico and Central America
Diet
Ants, termites, and bees
How common
Very rare
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.
Spotted a Northern Tamandua?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.
5,300+species
63national parks
50states