Aye-aye

Daubentonia madagascariensis

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The aye-aye is a nocturnal Madagascan primate with large ears and an unusually slender middle finger. It searches trees for hidden food.

Daubentonia madagascariensis (aye aye) — nomis-simon · CC BY

At a glance

Location: Aye-ayes live on Madagascar, using rainforest and other wooded habitats. They often forage in the canopy and rest in nests among branches.
Habitat: Rainforest
Diet: Omnivore
Food: Fruit, nuts, plant fluids and wood-boring insect larvae supply food.

Classification

Common name: Aye-aye
Browse group: Mammals
Scientific name or taxon: Daubentonia madagascariensis
Taxon rank: species
Order: Primates
Family: Daubentoniidae
Genus: Daubentonia
Source classification: Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Measurements

Size and speed

Length: 36 to 44 cm head and body; excludes tail

Typical adult ranges. Source: Animal Diversity Web.

Three things to know

Its incisors continue growing.
A slender middle finger probes for food.
It is active at night.

Habitat and range

Aye-ayes live on Madagascar, using rainforest and other wooded habitats. They often forage in the canopy and rest in nests among branches.

Appearance and adaptations

Coarse dark fur, large ears and a bushy tail distinguish the aye-aye. Its elongated third finger is especially flexible.

Diet and behaviour

Fruit, nuts, plant fluids and wood-boring insect larvae supply food. It taps wood to investigate concealed spaces, then gnaws openings and extracts larvae. Much of the day is spent resting in a leafy nest.

Sources

Animal Diversity Web: Daubentonia madagascariensis
A–Z Animals: Aye-aye · Directory entry

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