Silky Anteater

Cyclopes didactylus

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Pilosa · Cyclopedidae

About

The silky anteater, also known as the pygmy anteater, has traditionally been considered a single species of anteater, Cyclopes didactylus, in the genus Cyclopes, the only living genus in the family Cyclopedidae. Found in southern Mexico, and Central and South America, it is the smallest of all known anteaters. It has nocturnal habits and appears to be completely arboreal; its hind feet are highly modified for climbing.

Fun Fact

Silky anteaters are the smallest anteater species (about the size of a human hand) and so perfectly mimic the fluffy seed pods of silk cotton trees that predators overlook them entirely.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Tropical rainforests

Diet

Insectivore

Lifespan

2-3 years

Threats

Deforestation
Illegal Logging

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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