Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur

The Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur (Varecia variegata) is one of the two species of ruffed lemurs. Like all lemurs, it is native only to Madagascar.

Black-and-white Ruffed Lemurs can grow up to 2 ft long, although typically a little smaller, and are about 7-10 lbs. Their lifespan in captivity is about 18 years but many live to 20. Black-and-white Ruffed Lemurs are black with white areas on their limbs head and back. Their neck has a mane and the face has a muzzle like a dog’s. Males and females look the same.

The diet of the Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur consists mainly of sweet fruits, leaves, nectar, flowers, seeds, and even dirt in some cases.

Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur are typically preyed upon by boa constrictors, eagles and fossas.

There are three subspecies of Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur:

• Varecia variegata variegata
• Varecia variegata editorum
• Varecia variegata subcincta