aye-aye, noun. (plural aye-ayes) latin: Daubentonia madagascariensis. Origin: Malagasy, aye-aye can mean something that someone does not want to talk about. So, because of local superstition, this lemur is thought to have got its name because people do not like talking about it. Description: A small nocturnal primate that lives in trees and is found in Madagascar, and has a long bushy tail, long bony fingers, and teeth resembling those of a rodent.
source: AP Photo/Bristol Zoo Gardens 14 APR 2005 18:36 PM
Rare aye-aye born in Bristol zoo Kintana, an eight-week-old Madagascan aye-aye, is the first captive bred aye-aye in the UK: The aye-aye, a species of lemur, is the largest nocturnal primate in the world and is found in dense tropical forest on the island of Madagascar: Aye-ayes are highly specialised hunters with an elongated middle finger on each hand, which they use for catching prey. They tap their hands on tree trunks and then use their massive ears to listen for the sound of burrowing grubs in the bark. The insects are then scooped up with the oversized finger. The aye-aye’s devilish appearance has led to it being feared and often killed in its native Madagascar, as locals believe it is the bringer of bad luck.
Thanks to Attaturk at Rising Hegemon for Friday Miscellaneous Lifeform Blogging BONUS
Lest you think they look any less weird (cute) when they grow up:
