Tamandua tetradactyla

Tamandu Ta*man"du, n. [Sp., from the native name: cf. F. tamandua.] (Zo["o]l.) A small ant-eater ({Tamandua tetradactyla}) native of the tropical parts of South America. [1913 Webster]

Note: It has five toes on the fore feet, an elongated snout, small ears, and short woolly hair. Its tail is stout and hairy at the base, tapering, and covered with minute scales, and is somewhat prehensile at the end. Called also {tamandua}, {little ant-bear}, {fourmilier}, and {cagouare}. The collared, or striped, tamandu ({Tamandua bivittata}) is considered a distinct species by some writers, but by others is regarded as only a variety. [1913 Webster]