Anteaters are solitary animals and when two are seen together it is most likely that they are mother and child Anteaters feed almost exclusively on termites , ants and soft - bodies grubs. These types of insects build very tough nests , and the anteaters must use it sharp front claws to tears holes in then. Once is done in pushes its muzzle in and probes the cavities of the nest with its eight - to - ten - inch tongue. When the food is located , the anteater entraps it with its sticky saliva , making sure the nest is wiped clean.