Phataginus tetradactyla has a characteristic very long tail (hence its common name), reaching a length around 60–70 cm (24–28 in).
The tail contains 46–47 caudal vertebrae, a record among mammals.
The body can reach a length of 30–40 cm (12–16 in) and weigh 2.0–2.5 kg.
The males are larger than the females.

Even with the long tail, this species is the smallest of eight extant species of pangolins.
As with other pangolins, the long-tailed pangolin is covered with 9 to 13 rows of overlapping, artichoke leaf-shaped keratinous scales.
The scales are dark brown color with a brighter rim, which serves as camouflage.
The feet have large, curved claws.
The tip of the tail is bare and contains a sensory pad that allows the individual to seek out and grip branches.
They do not have teeth, while the tongue is very long.
The abdomen, underside of the limbs, and face are covered in dark fur instead of scales.

The long-tailed pangolin is the only diurnal pangolin species.
Phataginus tetradactyla has a characteristic very long tail (hence its common name), reaching a length around 60–70 cm (24–28 in). The tail contains 46–47 caudal vertebrae, a record among mammals. The body can reach a length of 30–40 cm (12–16 in) and weigh 2.0–2.5 kg. The males are larger than the females.
Even with the long tail, this species is the smallest of eight extant species of pangolins. As with other pangolins, the long-tailed pangolin is covered with 9 to 13 rows of overlapping, artichoke leaf-shaped keratinous scales. The scales are dark brown color with a brighter rim, which serves as camouflage. The feet have large, curved claws. The tip of the tail is bare and contains a sensory pad that allows the individual to seek out and grip branches. They do not have teeth, while the tongue is very long. The abdomen, underside of the limbs, and face are covered in dark fur instead of scales.
The long-tailed pangolin is the only diurnal pangolin species.
Long-tailed pangolin