Fact Sheet
A lesser mouse lemur feeding on a grape. Click image for larger version.
Order: Primates; Suborder: Prosimii
Family: Cheirogaleidae; Genus: Microcebus
Species: murinus
Related Species
There are three known species of mouse lemur: the lesser mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), the brown or rufus mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus), and the pygmy mouse lemur (Microcebus myoxinus). M. myoxinus is the smallest living primate.
Key Facts
Adult Size : 1 ½ - 3 ounces
Social life : Solitary forager, strictly nocturnal, sleeps in groups
Habitat : western dry deciduous forest
Diet : insects (mostly beetles), fruit, flowers and leaves
Lifespan : 10 - 15 years
Sexual maturity : 1 year in captivity
Mating : Extremely seasonal, mid-September
Gestation : 59 - 62 days, infants are born in November
Number of young : usually twins, one pair per year
DLC Naming theme : Various herbs and birds (Wintergreen, Sandalwood, Buckthorn, etc.)
Malagasy names : Tsidy, Koitsiky, Titilivaha, Vakiandri, Pondiky
Interesting Facts
- Lesser mouse lemurs are often sighted in gardens and roadside brush.
- Until recently, lesser mouse lemurs were thought to be the smallest living primate. This was disproven when the pygmy mouse lemur (Microcebus myoxinus), thought to be extinct, was re-discovered.
- The lesser mouse lemur is one of the most widespread, abundant, and adaptable lemur species.