ExploreMammals

aye-aye

Daubentonia madagascariensis

The aye-aye is a special kind of lemur found only in Madagascar. It has big eyes and a long, thin finger that helps it find food in trees. Aye-ayes are nocturnal, which means they are awake at night!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The aye-aye has shaggy, dark brown to black fur, bright orange-yellow eyes, and large, leathery ears. Its most distinct feature is an extremely long, slender middle finger, different from its other digits.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderPrimatesFamilyDaubentoniidaeGenusDaubentonia
aye-aye
furry trait badgesolitary trait badgearboreal trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
aye-aye

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Rare

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Aye-ayes build elaborate, spherical nests high in trees for sleeping during the day.

It's the only primate with continuously growing incisors, just like a rodent!

Local folklore sometimes sees the aye-aye as a bad omen, leading to fear.

Their unique middle finger is like a personal tool, used for tapping and scooping!

Special abilities

Ability

Sonar Searcher

The aye-aye can tap trees with its long finger to listen for hidden insect larvae because of its acute hearing.

Ability

Built-in Nutcracker

Aye-ayes have strong, continuously growing incisors that help them gnaw through tough nuts and bark to find food.

Ability

Agile Climber

The aye-aye has powerful hands and feet with sharp claws and opposable big toes that help them grip branches tightly.

Measurements & details

Length
36-44 cm
Weight
2-3 kg
Lifespan
10-23 years
Top Speed
10 km/h
Litter Size
1
Gestation
158-172 days

Diet & Feeding

This nocturnal omnivore primarily feasts on wood-boring insect larvae, but also enjoys nuts, fruits, and nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Insect larvae
  • Coconuts
  • Nectar
  • Fruits
  • Fungi

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Fossa

Cryptoprocta ferox

Main predator in Madagascar's forests.

eaten by

Madagascar Ground Boa

Acrantophis madagascariensis

Constricts young or unwary aye-ayes in their habitat.

eats

Longhorn Beetle

Rhytidodera simulans

Extracts grubs from wood using its specialized finger.

eats

Hazongondro Tree

Canarium madagascariense

Cracks open hard nuts and fruits for their nutritious insides.

eats

Traveller's Palm

Ravenala madagascariensis

Consumes nectar from its flowers, also acting as a pollinator.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Aye-ayes are shy and prefer to be left alone in their homes. Always watch animals from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is aye-aye?

36-44 cm

How much does aye-aye weigh?

2-3 kg

How long does aye-aye live?

10-23 years

How fast can aye-aye move?

10 km/h

What does aye-aye eat?

This nocturnal omnivore primarily feasts on wood-boring insect larvae, but also enjoys nuts, fruits, and nectar.

Where is aye-aye usually found?

Forests

How does aye-aye hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does aye-aye usually have?

1

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Mammals