The anteater is one of the three species of the family that occurs in Brazil, with two others being the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) and the anteater (Cyclopes didactylus). When it feels threatened, it is in an upright position, resting on the hind limbs and the tail, leaving the claws of the front legs free to strike any attacker. It usually rests in burrows during the hottest hours of the day. The black spot on its coat gives it the name of vest anteater in some regions.