The aardvark, also known as the ant pig, is one of the most powerful burrowing mammals that exists, being able to dig in its territory of 2-5 km² burrows up to 10 m long. It has powerful shovel-shaped claws with which it will dig several burrows throughout its life. In the process, it folds its ears back to keep dirt out, using its hind legs and tail to expel excess dirt.

They are normally solitary animals, females are usually accompanied by one or two juveniles. In areas where oricteropos are abundant, several individuals may share a burrow.

The male's genitals secrete musk and both sexes have glandular areas on the elbows and hips. They are probably useful for detecting the presence of other individuals and during the breeding season. It has not been observed that these glands are used for territorial marking.

The aardvark is nocturnal, leaving the burrow at dusk in search of food. It moves in a zigzag pattern with its snout close to the ground, using its powerful senses of smell and hearing to locate its prey. Once the area with the highest density of individuals is detected, it will dig very quickly and insert its long and sticky tongue through the dug hole. The prey will remain stuck to the tongue, and ingested by the oricteropus, which does not seem to be bothered by the insect bites.