Aardvark vs. Anteater: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on November 2, 2023
An aardvark is a nocturnal mammal native to Africa, while an anteater is a term for several Central and South American mammals that consume ants and termites.
Difference Between Aardvark and Anteater
The aardvark and anteater, while both known for consuming ants and termites, belong to entirely different biological families and are native to different continents. The aardvark, characterized by its long snout and powerful digging claws, is an inhabitant of the African savannahs and woodlands. It belongs to the "Tubulidentata" order due to its unique tubular teeth.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
In contrast, the term "anteater" broadly refers to four different species found mainly in Central and South America. These species belong to the "Pilosa" order and are more closely related to sloths. While their diet primarily consists of ants and termites, their physical characteristics differ considerably from the aardvark. For example, the giant anteater has a long, bushy tail and an elongated snout, distinct from the aardvark's appearance.
Muazma Batool
Nov 02, 2023
Moreover, the aardvark's primary method of acquiring food is to dig into ant and termite mounds using its robust claws, whereas anteaters use their long, sticky tongues to collect their prey. Both animals have evolved specific adaptations that allow them to efficiently consume ants and termites, yet their methods of doing so vary.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Another difference is their respective habitats. While aardvarks are solitary creatures that create burrows in the African terrain, anteaters in the Americas can be found in various habitats, ranging from grasslands to rainforests. Both, however, play a crucial role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations.
Elijah
Nov 02, 2023
Aardvark vs. Anteater Comparison Chart
Physical Characteristics
Long snout, powerful claws, tubular teeth
Long snout, sticky tongue, various body sizes/shapes
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Relation to Other Animals
Not closely related to any other modern mammals
Closely related to sloths
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Aardvark vs. Anteater Definitions
◉Aardvark
A nocturnal, burrowing mammal native to Africa.
The aardvark is recognized by its unique snout and strong digging abilities.
Lucas
Sep 24, 2023
◉Anteater
A term for mammals primarily feeding on ants and termites.
The anteater uses its long tongue to lap up ants swiftly.
Lucas
Sep 24, 2023
◉Aardvark
The only extant species of the order Tubulidentata.
As an aardvark, it possesses characteristic tubular teeth.
Muazma Batool
Sep 24, 2023
◉Anteater
Belongs to the order Pilosa, closely related to sloths.
The anteater, much like the sloth, has claws designed for specific tasks.
Jonathan
Sep 24, 2023
◉Aardvark
A solitary creature that creates burrows for shelter.
By day, the aardvark stays protected within its burrow.
Leo
Sep 24, 2023
◉Anteater
Native to Central and South America with a distinct long snout.
Spotting an anteater in the wild is a treat due to its unique silhouette.
Kaitlyn
Sep 24, 2023
◉Aardvark
An animal with a pig-like snout and rabbit-like ears.
With its unusual appearance, the aardvark is often compared to pigs and rabbits.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Anteater
Equipped with a sticky tongue to gather its prey.
The anteater's tongue can stretch out, allowing it to capture numerous ants.
William
Sep 24, 2023
◉Aardvark
An insectivore that primarily feeds on ants and termites.
An aardvark's diet is rich in ants and termites which it excavates from mounds.
Olivia
Sep 24, 2023
◉Anteater
Any of several Central and South American mammals of the suborder Vermilingua that lack teeth and feed on ants and termites, especially the giant anteater.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Aardvark
A burrowing mammal (Orycteropus afer) of sub-Saharan Africa, having a stocky body, large ears, a long tubular snout, and powerful digging claws for feeding on ants and termites.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Anteater
Any of several other animals, including the echidna, aardvark, and pangolin, that feed on ants.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Aardvark
The nocturnal, insectivorous, burrowing, mammal Orycteropus afer, of the order Tubulidentata, somewhat resembling a pig, common in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
The aardvark burrows in the ground and feeds mostly on termites, which it catches with its long, slimy tongue.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Anteater
Any of several animals of South and Central America, in suborder Vermilingua, which are noted for eating ants and termites which they catch with their long sticky tongues.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Aardvark
An edentate mammal, of the genus Orycteropus (Orycteropus afer), somewhat resembling a pig, common in some parts of Southern Africa. It is a nocturnal ungulate, burrows in the ground with its powerful claws, and feeds entirely on ants and termites, which it catches with its long, extensile, slimy tongue. It is the sole extant representative of the order Tubulidentata.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Anteater
Any of some other not closely related species that feed with ants, including pangolin (scaly anteater), echidna (spiny anteater), aardvark and numbat (banded anteater).
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Aardvark
nocturnal burrowing mammal of the grasslands of Africa that feeds on termites; sole extant representative of the order Tubulidentata
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Anteater
toothless mammal of southern Africa and Asia having a body covered with horny scales and a long snout for feeding on ants and termites
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Anteater
any of several tropical American mammals of the family Myrmecophagidae which lack teeth and feed on ants and termites
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Anteater
nocturnal burrowing mammal of the grasslands of Africa that feeds on termites; sole extant representative of the order Tubulidentata
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Anteater
small Australian marsupial having long snout and strong claws for feeding on termites; nearly extinct
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Anteater
burrowing spine-covered monotreme of Australia having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Anteater
Includes species varying in size from small to large.
The giant anteater is the largest of the anteater species.
Muazma Batool
Sep 24, 2023
Aardvark vs. Anteater Frequently Asked Questions
How does the aardvark capture its prey?
It digs into ant and termite mounds using its claws.
Henry
Nov 02, 2023
Do aardvarks have unique teeth?
Yes, aardvarks have tubular teeth, unlike any other mammal.
Kaitlyn
Nov 02, 2023
Are aardvarks and anteaters the same animal?
No, they belong to different biological families and continents.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Are there multiple species of anteaters?
Yes, there are several species, including the giant anteater.
Levi
Nov 02, 2023
What do both animals primarily eat?
Both primarily consume ants and termites.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Is the aardvark related to the anteater?
No, they belong to different biological orders.
Leo
Nov 02, 2023
Which animal is related to the sloth?
The anteater is related to the sloth.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Which animal is known to burrow?
The aardvark is known to create burrows for shelter.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
