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
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 or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free