What kind of animal is an anteater? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. A general term for animals belonging to the mammalian class Oligodontidae and the family Antidae. The species includes 3 genera and 4 species, including 1 species of Giant Anteater, 2 species of Coreanthus, and 1 species of Common Anteater, and they often live in the grasslands and forest areas of Central and South America.