The Aye-aye (Dauebntoniidae family) of Madagascar

Aye-aye

The Aye-aye is one of the world's most bizarre creatures with its long twig-like middle finger, huge eyes, rat-like teeth, and large bat-like ears. This nocturnal lemur, first classified as a rodent, uses its long middle finger as a tool for finding insects. After tapping the tree bark, it uses its sensitive hearing to detect the movement of insect larvae. Studies have found that the aye-aye is capable of sensing insect movement at a depth of 12 feet.

Sadly this odd creature is endangered by both habitat destruction in northeastern Madagascar and widespread persecution by native Malagasy as an harbinger of bad luck.

Lemuridae species:

Family	Common name	Scientific name	Local name	Active	Pictures
Daubentoniidae	Aye-aye			Nocturnal
Daubentoniidae	Aye-aye	Daubentonia madagascariensis	Aye-aye, Ahay, Itay-hay, Aiay	Nocturnal

Lemur links
Duke University's Lemur taxa - includes extinct lemur species

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