apibrimus

Apibrimus is a genus of small to medium-sized, long-snouted mammals native to the rainforests of Central and South America. The genus includes two known species, Apibrimus chacoensis and Apibrimus peruanus. These animals are characterized by their elongated snouts, which are used for foraging in the dense vegetation of their habitat. Apibrimus species are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates.

The genus Apibrimus was first described in 1999 by American mammalogists Michael A. Mares and Richard H. Tedford. The name Apibrimus is derived from the Greek words "api," meaning "bee," and "brimos," meaning "to drink," reflecting the insects that make up a significant portion of their diet. The two species within the genus differ primarily in their geographic distribution and some minor morphological characteristics.

Apibrimus chacoensis is found in the Chaco region of South America, while Apibrimus peruanus is native to the Peruvian Amazon. Both species are threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and other human activities. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitats and ensure the survival of these unique mammals.