Costa Rica Species
Cyclopes didactylus
AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Cyclopes didactylus

Silky anteater

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The smallest anteater in the world, with soft golden fur and a prehensile tail.

Added by

Gerardo Venegas

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Gerardo Venegas

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

CeibitaPygmy anteaterTapacaraAngel de oro

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Pilosa
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Cyclopedidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Cyclopes
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
97%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Year Round

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

Insectivore

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Lives exclusively in the canopy of tropical forests and mangroves.

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

Strictly arboreal and nocturnal animal, very difficult to spot during the day.

Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang

Solitary; spends the day curled up in a ball on tree branches.

Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang

Insectivore; feeds primarily on arboreal ants.

Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang

Controller of ant populations in the high levels of the forest.

Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang

Both parents may participate in carrying the offspring after birth.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

36.0 - 45.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

175 g - 400 g

Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No

Lifespan

Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.

10 - 12 Months

Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).

120 - 150

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 9 Years
Females5 - 9 Years

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Curved claws on the front feet to tear open hollow stems.
Long prehensile tail that acts as a fifth limb for life in the heights.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Deforestation and loss of connectivity in mangroves.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

Its golden fur resembles the fibers of ceiba pods, its perfect camouflage.
When threatened, it stands on its hind legs and places its claws in front of its face in a typical defensive pose.

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.