Cyclopes dorsalis (Gray, 1865)

Scientific Naming and Size Comparison

Silky anteaters (scientific name Cyclopes dorsalis (Gray, 1865)) are the smallest living anteaters, and have proportionately shorter faces and larger crania than other anteater species.

Body Length and Weight

The average length of an adult silky anteater is 36 to 45 cm (14 to 18 in), which includes a 17 to 24 cm (6.7 to 9.4 in) long tail, and adults weigh between 175 and 400 g (6.2 to 14.1 oz).

Fur Coloration

Their fur is dense and soft, and its color ranges from grey to yellowish with a silvery sheen.

Subspecies Markings

Many subspecies have dark, often brownish streaks, and have relatively paler underparts or limbs.

Soft Tissue Features

Their eyes are black, and the soles of their feet are red.

Forefoot Claw Structure

Silky anteaters have claws on the second and third toes of their forefeet; the third toe is noticeably larger.

Remaining Forefoot Toes

The fourth forefoot toe is small and lacks a claw, while the remaining forefoot toes are either vestigial or absent and cannot be seen externally.

Hind Foot Structure

On the hind feet, all four toes are the same length, have long claws, and are paired with a vestigial hallux that is not visible externally.

Rib Structure

Their ribs are broad and flat, and overlap to create an internal armored casing that protects the chest.

Tail Function

This species also has a partially prehensile tail, which helps support their arboreal, tree-dwelling lifestyle.

Main Geographic Distribution

Silky anteaters are distributed from Oaxaca and southern Veracruz in Mexico, through Central America (excluding El Salvador), and south to Ecuador, northern Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.

Isolated Population

A separate distinct population lives in the northern Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil.

Island Distribution

They can also be found on the island of Trinidad.

Habitat and Elevation Range

They live in a variety of forest types, including semi-deciduous, tropical evergreen, and mangrove forests, at elevations ranging from sea level up to 1,500 m (4,900 ft).