Mammalogy 4764 Fall 2009 Xenarthra Orders Xenarthra, Pholidata, and Tubulidentata Dasypodidae: Armadillos Xenarthra: Armadillos, sloths, anteaters Myrmecophagidae: Anteaters Pholidata: Pangolins Megalonichidae: three-toed sloths Tubulidentata: Aardvarks Bradypodidae: two-toed sloths Orginally Xenarthra and Pholidata a single order (Edentata) Not all Xenarthrans are truly “edentate”. Neotropical region None of living Xenarthrans has incisors or canines Insectivorous or folivorous Cheekteeth open rooted lack enamel Geographic origin different: Xenarthrous vertebrae Xenarthrans in Neotropical region, Pholidata in Paleartic region Ground sloths Family Myrmecophagidae: anteaters of S. America 4 species from Southeastern US into S. America Eremotherium sp. Edentate, highly specialized for eating ants/termites Almost Elephant size! Long tongues anchored to sternum, viscous secretion Giant anteater (Myrmecophagidae: Myrmecophaga tridactyla) Fig. 9.4 Collared anteater Glyptodontidae: Panochthus (Myrmecophagidae: Tamandua tetradactyla) Skeleton / Tongue muscles Bradypodidae: three-toed sloths 2 recent species of S. America Medium-sized animals 3-5 kg in mass Lack canines, incisors Greenish hue from symbiotic algae Three-toed sloth Bradypus variegatus Fig. 9.4 1 Mammalogy 4764 Fall 2009 Dasypodidae: armadillos Megalonichidae: Two-toed sloths 20 species from Southeastern US into S. America 2 species Primarily terrestrial, powerful diggers Up to 9 kg Unique armored carapace Lack canines, incisors Greenish hue from symbiotic algae Giant armadillo – 60 kg Priodontes maximus Two-toed sloth Choloepus hoffmannii Nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus Order Pholidata: Scaly anteaters Order Tubulidentata Orycteropodidae, Manidae (1 family) with 7 species Orycteropus afer (1 species) North Africa and Orient Earliest record about 35 mya Imbricate scales Africa and Europe Edentate Dig in ground or ants and termites Skull long, slender, Up to 65 kg incomplete zygomatic arch Long-tailed pangolin Manis tetradactyla Savage and Long 1986 2.