Tarsiers' eyes are stationary in their orbits requiring that they rotate their heads almost 360 degrees to change their field of visions. Of all the primates, tarsiers have the largest eyes relative to body size with an average eyeball diameter of 16 mm. Tarsius bancanus, one of the five Tarsius species, lives in Borneo and Sumatra. Adults weigh 80-165 g (.17-.36 lb), and have head and body lengths of 8.5-16 cm (3.3-6.3 in). They have small upper bodies, extremely long hindlimbs, and large heads. Tarsiers are nocturnal, feeding on invertebrates and vertebrates, including small poisonous snakes. As vertical clingers and leapers, they can jump distances up to 6 m (18 ft) at a time.
Adult Male Tarsier
Information about the specimen.:
Species Name:
Tarsius bancanus borneanus
Taxon:
Tarsier
Specimen Collector:
I. Muul and Lim Boo Liat
Specimen Id:
USNM 582736 and USNM 488081 (skull only)
Collected Date:
May 22, 1971
Sex:
male
Age:
adult
Collection Location:
Malaya Kampong Silad
Common Name:
Tarsier
Donor:
Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History
Display Order:
80
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