What does aardwolf mean?
The aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) is a small, nocturnal mammal found in eastern and southern Africa, belonging to the hyena family Hyaenidae despite looking more like a slender striped jackal. Unlike its larger carnivorous relatives, the aardwolf feeds almost exclusively on termites — particularly harvester termites — which it licks up by the tens of thousands each night using its long, sticky tongue. Its powerful jaws and peg-like teeth are adapted for crushing insects rather than tearing flesh, making it one of the most specialized members of its order. Shy and solitary, the aardwolf shelters in underground dens during the day and emerges at night to forage. The name comes from Afrikaans, meaning "earth wolf," reflecting its ground-dwelling habits. Because it does not prey on livestock or scavenge carcasses, the aardwolf occupies a unique and relatively harmless niche among African carnivores.
nounA nocturnal, insectivorous mammal of southern and eastern Africa, related to the hyenas but feeding almost entirely on termites.
- A small, striped, insectivorous mammal (Proteles cristatus) native to eastern and southern Africa, belonging to the hyena family but feeding almost exclusively on termites.
"The aardwolf lapped up thousands of termites with its sticky tongue before dawn broke over the savanna."
"The shy aardwolf emerged at dusk to feast on harvester termites."
"Unlike its scavenging cousins, the aardwolf poses little threat to livestock and is often tolerated on farmland."
The plural follows the standard -f → -ves pattern common in English nouns of Germanic origin.
"Aardwolves are highly territorial and mark the boundaries of their ranges with scent."
Despite being a member of the hyena family, the aardwolf wouldn't hurt a fly — it eats termites, up to 200,000 in a single night.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of aardwolf
The word "aardwolf" derives from Afrikaans, in which "aard" means "earth" or "ground" and "wolf" means "wolf." It was adopted into English in the early nineteenth century, when European naturalists began cataloguing South African fauna using local Dutch-derived names. The same Afrikaans root "aard" appears in "aardvark" ("earth pig"), another African mammal named for its burrowing lifestyle.
Related word forms
How aardwolf is actually used
"Aardwolf" is a formal/scientific term, used mainly in zoology, wildlife documentaries, and nature writing. The plural is "aardwolves" (not "aardwolfs"). It should not be confused with the aardvark, a different African animal entirely.
Easily confused with aardwolf
An aardvark is a large burrowing mammal that eats ants; an aardwolf is a small hyena relative that eats termites.