Northern Silky Anteater
Cyclopes dorsalis
Silhouette: PhyloPic · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassMammalia (Mammals)
- OrderPilosa (Sloths and Anteaters)
- FamilyCyclopedidae (Silky Anteaters)
- GenusCyclopes (Silky Anteaters)
- SpeciesCyclopes dorsalis (Northern Silky Anteater)
About the Northern Silky Anteater
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.
A taxonomic review in 2017, including both molecular and morphological evidence, found that Cyclopes may actually comprise at least seven species. The only known extinct cyclopedid species is Palaeomyrmidon incomtus, from the Late Miocene (c. 7 to 9 million years ago) of modern-day Argentina.
The scientific name Cyclopes didactylus translates to "two-toed circle-foot", referencing the two claws present on the forefeet. Additionally, the name alludes to the toes' ability to nearly encircle a branch while clinging.
Silky anteaters are the smallest extant anteaters and have proportionately shorter faces and larger crania than other species. Average adult length ranges from 36 to 45 cm (14 to 18 in), including a tail 17 to 24 cm (6.7 to 9... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Northern Silky Anteater in Bastimentos Island National Marine Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Bastimentos Island National Marine Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Braulio Carrillo National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 2 | Corcovado National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 3 | Tortuguero National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 4 | Soberanía National Park | 🇵🇦 Panama | |
| 5 | Lago de Yojoa | 🇭🇳 Honduras | |
| 6 | Chagres National Park | 🇵🇦 Panama | |
| 7 | Manuel Antonio National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 8 | Arenal Volcano National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 9 | Bastimentos Island National Marine Park | 🇵🇦 Panama | |
| 10 | Parque Natural Metropolitano | 🇵🇦 Panama | |
| 11 | Darién National Park | 🇵🇦 Panama | |
| 12 | Cahuita National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 13 | Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve | 🇲🇽 Mexico | |
| 14 | La Amistad International Park (Panama) | 🇵🇦 Panama |