The diet of a pangolin primarily consists of ants and termites. These unique creatures are specially adapted for feeding on these insects. They have long, sticky tongues, which can extend well beyond their body length, allowing them to reach deep into ant and termite nests.
For example, the ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) feeds on a variety of ant and termite species, including the aggressive driver ants. The ground pangolin uses its powerful front claws to break open termite mounds and ant nests, and then it extends its tongue to slurp up the insects.
Pangolins are often considered insectivorous specialists, and their diet is highly focused on these particular prey items. Their diet is a crucial part of their ecological role in controlling insect populations, making them essential for the ecosystems they inhabit.