There are two species in this family, the Central American silky anteater and the silky anteater. The silky anteater is an isolated subpopulation found in northeastern Brazil. They were once thought to be a single species.

The Central American silky anteater is found in forests from southern Mexico south to Bolivia.

Silky anteaters are nocturnal and rarely leave the protection of the trees.

Silky anteaters are also known as pygmy or dwarf anteaters. They are about 14-17 inches in length. They have thick, silky yellowish-brown fur; a short snout; and a long, partially prehensile tail.

Female silky anteaters give birth to a single baby. She makes a nest of leaves in a hole in a tree. Both the male and the female care for the young. The male will carry the baby anteater on his back.