tamandua
/təˈmand(j)ʊə
/ /ˌtam(ə)nˈduːə /noun
A small nocturnal arboreal anteater with a naked prehensile tail, native to tropical America.
- Genus Tamandua, family Myrmecophagidae: two species.
- The tamandua feeds on ants and termites which it catches with its long, sticky tongue.
- As well as strong claws, tamanduas have powerful prehensile tails to give them additional purchase when climbing.
Origin
Early 17th century: via Portuguese from Tupi tamanduá, from taly 'ant' + monduar 'hunter'.