Pangolins’ tongues can be longer than their body (excluding tail) when fully extended. This allows them to reach deep into termite mounds and ant nests. Tongues are sticky and covered in tiny hooks for insect capture. Muscles and hyoid bones support rapid extension and retraction. Tongue is stored in the chest cavity when not in use. This adaptation ensures almost complete extraction of prey from tunnels.
It demonstrates a remarkable evolutionary solution for feeding.
Precision feeding reduces energy waste and maximizes nutrient intake.
Pangolins’ tongues can extend up to 40 cm in large species.
National Geographic (nationalgeographic.com)