Cyclopedidae - Silky Anteaters

There is one species in this family. The silky anteater is found in the forests of southern Mexico south to Bolivia. The silky anteater is nocturnal and rarely leaves the protection of the trees.

The silky anteater is also known as the pygmy or dwarf anteater. It is about 14-17 inches in length. It has thick, silky yellowish-brown fur; a short snout; and a long, partially prehensile tail.

Female silky anteaters give birth to a single baby. She makes a nest of leaves in a hole in a tree. Both the male and the female care for the young. The male will carry the baby anteater on his back.

World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in Wild Extinct Not Enough Data
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist.

U.S. Status Key Threatened in US Endangered in US Introduced Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife. Click on U.S. status icon to go to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife species profile.

New Hampshire Status Key Threatened in NH Endangered in NH Breeds in NH (birds) Status taken from NH Fish and Game

Location Key
Africa Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North America South America NH Click for More Info Click for Image

New Hampshire Species		North/Central American Species
None		Silky Anteater - Cyclopes didactylus

Additional Information

Key: Profile Photos Video Audio

Silky Anteater- Cyclopes didactylus
Both silky anteater parents feed their young regurgitated insects.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Silky Anteater- Cyclopes didactylus
The silky anteater has long, curved claws on its front paws that help it move around in trees.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School