While the vast citadels of the white ant formed on the ground are
attacked by the great ant-eater, the too great increase of the arborial
termites is kept under by three smaller species, formed to live among
the branches of the trees.
The tamandua is seen climbing the loftiest monarchs of the forest in
search of its insect prey. It is about the size of a cat. Though its
head is elongated, it is considerably less so than that of the ant-bear;
while its hair is short and silky, resembling fine wool. The feet are
formed in the same manner as those of the larger animal, but, to enable
it the better to climb among the branches, it possesses a prehensile
tail.
Though it cannot be said to possess a sweet tooth--as its mouth is as
destitute of teeth as that of the tamanoir--yet it does not confine its
food to the termites alone, but seeks the nests of the stingless bees,
which form their hives among the loftiest branches of the forest, and
robs them of their honeyed treasures.