Abstract Tunga penetrans (Siphonaptera, Tungidae) is a flea that infests humans and a
variety of domestic and wild animals. Burrowing of the female flea under the skin causes
tungiasis, a disease that manifests in skin lesions that if untreated, can progress to severe
complications. In this paper, we report the first case of T. penetrans in a wild giant anteater
(Myrmecophaga tridactyla) from Argentina. We describe the lesions and discuss the
potential role of the giant anteater as a host or reservoir for this flea.