Anteaters

With powerful front claws designed to bust into termite mounds and anthills, anteaters walk on their fists which helps keep their claws sharp at all times. Nature designed them to be the gardeners best ally, since they truly love eating ants as well as termites. The giant anteater can consume as many as 30,000 ants and termites in a day. They are able to do this with their powerful tongues which they can flick in and out of their mouths as fast as 150 times a minute. 

Anteater Videos: Here’s a fun, informative 3-minute video featuring anteaters from the San Diego zoo. Here’s a 1-minute video of a baby anteater riding on mom’s back. Anteaters can’t pick up their young with their forelegs, so riding it is! Here’s another 1-minute video of a baby anteater.

FunFacts about Anteaters: (Source)

• Basic information, quote: Anteater is a common name for the four extant mammal species of the suborder Vermilingua (meaning “worm tongue”) commonly known for eating ants and termites. The individual species have other names in English and other languages. Together with the sloths, they are within the order Pilosa. The name “anteater” is also colloquially applied to the unrelated aardvark, numbat, echidnas, pangolins and some members of the Oecobiidae. (Source)
• The most familiar species of anteaters are: 1) the giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla, (about 1.8 m or 5 ft 11 inches long) which includes the tail, 2) the silky anteater Cyclopes didactylus (about 35 cm 14 inches long), 3) the southern tamandua or collared anteater Tamandua tetradactyla, (about 1.2 m or 3 ft 11 inches long), and 4) the northern tamandua Tamandua mexicana of similar dimensions.
• Anteaters are most closely related to sloths than any other animal.
• Anteaters have tube-shaped lips but no teeth.
• Anteaters have long thin tongues that can reach a distance greater than the length of the head.
• Anteaters have large, clawed forearms which they use to tear apart anthills and termite mounds.
• Anteaters have long dense fur which protects them from the attacks of these insects.
• Anteaters are solitary creatures who will defend their territories. While defending, they will vocalize, swat and sometimes ride on the backs of their opponents.
• Anteaters can’t see well but their sense of smell is superb. They rely on the latter for defense, feeding and foraging.
• Anteaters live in South and Central America.
• Anteaters live in dry tropical forests, rainforests, grasslands, and savannas.

  * * * This Week’s Giveaway * * *

For a chance to win this paranormal romance bracelet ~ ~ or a $15 Amazon gift card, winner’s choice! ~ ~ just scroll to the bottom of the page and read the details for entering. You will be leaving a comment as the entry requirement. Giveaway ends midnight, Arizona time, Wednesday, July 17, 2019.

July Winners: Smita D., Jackie B.!!!

June Winners: Marie S., Betty O., BN100 and Susan S.!!!

Disclaimer: As with any food, herbal remedy, beverage or concept on this blog, be sure to contact your physician before eating, imbibing or using for medical purposes any substance discussed on this blog. Always err on the side of caution and keep yourself well-informed. ~ Caris Roane

(Unless otherwise designated, today’s photos are from Pixabay ~ Pixabay is a free site, so feel free to share, pin and enjoy these wonderful photos. Any photo designated as coming from Deposit Photos has been purchased and is subject to copyright law.)   

I hope you enjoyed these photos. Be sure to keep scrolling to leave a comment for the weekly prize draw. Details below!

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 * * * This Week’s Giveaway * * *

July Winners: Smita D., Jackie B.!!!

June Winners: Marie S., Betty O., BN100 and Susan S.!!!

To be in the running for this handcrafted paranormal romance bracelet, made by yours truly, OR a $15 Amazon Gift Card, please leave a comment at the bottom of this post. Also, feel free to post comments on every Caris Roane blog, Monday thru Wednesday this week, to increase your chances of winning this week’s prize drawing. Only one win per month allowed, otherwise no limits!

New contest ends midnight, Arizona time, on Wednesday, July 17, 2019! On Thursday, July 18th Arizona time, I’ll select the winning blog then the winning comment. I’ll use Random.org to make my selection! You may only win once per month. International winner receives gift card.

 * * * This Week’s Giveaway * * *

To be entered into the giveaway drawing, please leave a comment about anteaters. Have you ever seen one of these intriguing creatures? Which photo did you like best?

*** And tell us where you’re from! I’m from Buckeye, Arizona, not far from Phoenix. (That’s the Desert Southwest, USA.) ***

Above all: Live the fang!!!