MANIS (Neo-Lat., assumed sing. of Lat. manes, ghosts; so called from the animal's noc turnal habits). The ordinary and generic name of the scaled anteaters or pangolins of the Old World edentate family Manithe. Seven species are recognized, all inhabiting the tropical parts of Asia or of Africa. In general structure, as. well as in habits, they resemble the American ant eaters (q.v.), but are singular in having the body covered with horny imbricated scales, be tween which (except in the adults of the African forms) grow hairs: these scales are sharp edged and are large upon the trunk and long terete tail, but small on the head, neck, and limbs. A common name is 'scaly anteater.' Their legs are short and strong, and their feet armed with powerful claws. with which they burrovt-, and in walking those of the fore feet are turned under. They feed, always at night, exclusively on ants and termites, which they procure by means of their long viscid tongue. All are able to roll them-sel•es into a Will, which a man's strength is unable to open, and thus they present to their enemies only :in armored surface, after the manner of armadillos. •lw largest species are
those of Africa, and live upon the West Coast, one (if anis. gigan t ) reaching a length of six feet, including the tail. The one called 'phatagen' by the ancients was probably the long-tailed manic ( (0 s macrura). A third, the sho•t tailed Tent min ekii ) ranges all across south-central Africa. The three Asiatic species are little different. One, common in India ( nis pen ludo et yin), has a body two and one half feet long. and dwells in rocky places. A second species ranges eastward to China ; and a third, more slender and hing-tailed (ifunis di:run/is), is the one originally called by the Malays 'pangolin,' a term often now applied to the whole genus. Tiny live well in captivity and become tame. Consult writers on the zoiilogy of India and Africa. Also, Ileddard, .11( im in 0 lie ( London. 1902) ; Ho•naday, Two Years in the Jungle (New York, 18S5).