The smallest of the Anteaters, Cyclopes didactylus or Silky Anteater inhabits primary rain forests with continuous canopy; it lives in tall trees under the leaves to avoid detection. Some believe it has a preference for the Ceiba (Silk Cotton) tree whose fruit produces a fibre that is of the same sheen and colour offering camouflage and protection for the Silky Anteater.
Rainforests from southern Mexico through Central America to South America, Brazil, the Guianas and Paraguay make up the range of this small arboreal Anteater. The Silky Anteater is