Types of Sloths – Difference between two-toed and three-toed sloths

Types of Sloths – Difference between two-toed and three-toed sloths

While all sloths may look similar at first glance — slow-moving, tree-hugging, and undeniably adorable — two-toed and three-toed sloths are actually quite different in several ways. 

🦥 1. Number of Toes (on the Front Limbs)

Two-toed sloths: Have two toes (claws) on their front limbs, and three on their back limbs.

Three-toed sloths: Have three toes on both front and back limbs.

So the naming refers to the front limbs only!

2. Species & Classification

Two-toed sloths: Belong to the genus Choloepus.

Species include: Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth and Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth.

Three-toed sloths: Belong to the genus Bradypus.

Species include: Brown-throated sloth, pygmy sloth, maned sloth, and more.

3. Behavior & Activity

Two-toed sloths:

More nocturnal (active at night)

Slightly more active and faster than their three-toed cousins (though still slow!)

Three-toed sloths:

More diurnal (active during the day)

Tend to be more sluggish and less active overall

4. Appearance

Two-toed sloths:

Larger, with longer limbs

Have a pig-like snout and lighter-colored fur

No visible tail

Three-toed sloths:

Smaller and more compact

Have a rounder face with a "perma-smile" expression

Have a small tail

Often have distinctive markings, like a black mask or stripe on the back

5. Teeth

Two-toed sloths:

Have canine-like teeth (though not true canines)

More variety in tooth shape

Three-toed sloths:

Only have simple, peg-shaped teeth, no canines.

6. Diet

Two-toed sloths: Omnivorous

Eat leaves, fruits, flowers, and occasionally small insects or lizards

Three-toed sloths: Strict herbivores

Eat mostly leaves from a few select trees (like Cecropia)

7. Habitat & Range

Both types are found in Central and South America, but they may occupy slightly different ranges or forest types depending on the species.

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