The aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is a mammal belonging to the group of primates referred to as the prosimians. Prosimians are more primitive than monkeys and apes and, in addition to the aye-aye, include animals such as lemurs, lorises, pottos and galagos.
The aye-aye grows to a length of about 16 inches and to a weight of about 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 pounds. Aye-ayes have course black hair. These primates are primarily nocturnal and feed on wood-boring insects they find under bark. The aye-aye has an elongated middle finger which serves them well when prying grubs from the bark of trees. The aye-aye's diet consists of grubs, fruits, seeds, fungi.
Classification:
Where to See:
Tropical forest and rainforest in Northwestern and Eastern Madagascar.
References:
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
