Scientific Name: Daubentonia madagascariensis
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Suborder: Strepsirrhini
Infraorder: Chiromyiformes
Family: Daubentoniidae
Genus: Daubentonia
It is the world's largest nocturnal primate.
Physical Characteristics
It weighs about 2.5 kilograms, with the female weighing in slightly less than males. Other than weight and sex organs, aye-ayes exhibit no sexual dimorphism of any kind. They all grow from 30-37 cm from head to body, with a 44-53 cm tail.
The adult Aye-aye has black or dark brown fur covered by white guard hairs at the neck. The tail is bushy and shaped like that of a squirrel. The Aye-aye's face is also rodent-like, the shape of a raccoon's, and houses bright, beady, luminous eyes. Its incisors are very large, and grow continuously throughout its lifespan. The Aye-aye's hands are arguably its most unusual feature. Much like other primates, it possesses opposable thumbs. The middle finger can be up to three times longer than the others.
Habitat
The Aye-aye lives primarily on the east coast of Madagascar. Its natural habitat is rainforest or deciduous forest, but many live in cultivated areas due to deforesting.
Behavior
The Aye-aye is classically considered 'solitary', but recent research suggests that they are more social than once thought.
Diet
The Aye-aye commonly eats nuts, and also grubs, fruits, nectar, seeds, and fungi, classifying it as an omnivore.