Aardvark

Aard-vark, any species of the African genus Orycteropus (q.v.), containing two, or perhaps three species, of which the best known is 0. capensis, called also Earth-hog and Cape Anteater. It is a timid, nocturnal animal, not unlike a short-legged pig, with a long snout, large ears, tubular mouth, and long, fleshy tail, the whole surface covered with long bristly hair. There are four digits on the fore limbs and five on the hinder ones, all armed with powerful hoof-like claws, with which the animal burrows and tears down the hills of the white ants on which it feeds, sweeping the insects into its mouth with its long extensile tongue. The flesh is much prized for food.