TAMANDUA, a species of the genus myrniecopkaga or ant-eater (q.v.). The great ant-eater or M. jubata of Linmeus, is called tamandua by the Portuguese, but ant-bear by the English and Spaniards.--The proper tamandua, so called by the Portuguese of Brazil, is the .311 tamandua of Cuvier, and is much smaller than the great ant eater, being about the size of a large common cat, and its head is not so disproportionately long, although it has much resemblance, and the same kind of snout and nostrils. Its length, from the root of the ear to the muzzle, is 5 inches. The greatest circumference of the head, just in front of the ears, is a little over 8 inches. The conformation of the extremities, the number of toes, before and behind, are in all respects the same as the great ant-eater, but It differs in having a prehensile tail, which is covered with short hair, as is also the body, while the great ant-eater has long, shaggy hair, and a bushy tail. The eyes of
the tamandua are very as are also the round ears. The legs are short and robust. There are several varieties, chiefly distinguished by differences of color. It is a native of the thick forests of tropical America, and is said never to be found on the ground, but exclusively in trees, where it lives upon ants, honey, and it is said, even bees. going to sleep it hides its muzzle in the fur of its breast, places its belly on a limb, and wraps the whole around with its tail. The female, as is the case with the great ant-eater, has two pectoral mamince and bears but a single cub at a birth, which she carries about on her shoulders for the first three or four months. It has a strong, disa greeable odor, which is perceptible at a great distance, especially if the animal is irritated. It is called fourmillier by the French, and little ant-bear by the English.