Main content

Aye aye

Daubentonia madagascariensis

  • Their middle finger taps up to 11 times a second. That鈥檚 faster than some of the world鈥檚 elite piano players.
  • Completely nocturnal, aye ayes rely on echolocation to find food, a bit like dolphins.
  • Their wiry hairs can grow up to 22cm long.
  • Just like rodents, their teeth will continue to grow throughout their lives.
  • Aye ayes are steeped in superstition. Local Malagasy people believe those pointed at by the mysterious finger will meet their death.

Clips

The real life ET

Watch the aye aye's specialised finger heat up 6 degrees to hunt for food.

Related Links