Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Myrmecophagidae

Myrmecophagidae

9.9
A group of mammals like anteaters that have long snouts and tongues for eating ants and termites
  • noun
  • /ˌmɜr.mɪ.kəˈfɑː.gɪˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Myrmecophagidae
  • The family Myrmecophagidae includes several species adapted to feeding on ants and termites.

Examples

  • Members of Myrmecophagidae are easily recognized by their elongated snouts and tongues.

  • The Myrmecophagidae family includes several species of anteaters.

  • Researchers discovered a new fossil belonging to the Myrmecophagidae in South America.

  • Did you know that the Myrmecophagidae have long tongues?

  • The family of mammals known as Myrmecophagidae has evolved specialized features for consuming ants and termites.

  • One characteristic of the Myrmecophagidae is their long and sticky tongues, perfect for catching insects.

  • Scientists study the Myrmecophagidae to understand their unique adaptations for a diet primarily consisting of ants and termites.

Synonyms

anteater
vsMyrmecophagidae
2 2.0

A mammal from Central and South America with a long snout and tongue that eats ants and termites

is the family term for the New World species rather than the general mammal
New World anteater
vsMyrmecophagidae
  • US
8.4

A tropical American animal with no teeth that eats ants and termites

is the scientific family for these New World mammals

Surface Forms

Myrmecophagidae singular
Myrmecophagidaes plural

Etymology

The word Myrmecophagidae comes from old Greek parts: myrmeco- meaning 'ant' and -phagidae from a word meaning 'to eat'. So the name literally means 'ant-eaters', which is why it is used for the family of anteaters.