The family Myrmecophagidae, belonging to the order Pilosa, comprises mammals commonly known as anteaters. This family includes species such as the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) and the tamanduas (Tamandua spp.), which are specialized for feeding on ants and termites. Myrmecophagids have elongated snouts, long sticky tongues, and strong, curved claws that allow them to break into insect nests efficiently. They are mostly terrestrial or arboreal, depending on the species, and inhabit a variety of environments across Central and South America, from grasslands and forests to savannas. As insectivores, they play an important ecological role in regulating ant and termite populations.