The aardvark, which measures up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) long, is a subungulate found in much of Africa. It is rarely seen for it is nocturnal and extremely shy. Its presence may be detected by the large burrows it digs, using the hoof-like claws on its forefeet. It feeds chiefly on termites and ants, which it catches with its long tongue, coated with sticky saliva. It also eats vegetation.