The aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) is a small insectivorous hyena-like mammal, native to Eastern and Southern Africa. The name means "earth wolf" in Afrikaans. It is also called "maanhaar-jackal" and "protelid". Unlike true hyenas, the aardwolf is a defenseless animal whose diet almost completely consists of termites, other insect larvae and carrion. The natural enemies are deterred by the superficial resemblance to the more aggressive hyena species.