Information about the specimen.:
Mouse lemurs are members of the genus Microcebus that is grouped within the Lemuridae taxonomic family. Among the three known species are Microcebus rufus, the Eastern Mouse Lemur; M. murinus, the Western Mouse Lemur; and M. myoxinus, a recently recognized species. M. rufus weighs only 39-98 g (.08-.22 lb), living in the forests of northern and eastern Madagascar, primarily in the secondary forests. M. rufus has brown fur with a dark stripe along its back, and a white stripe from its eyes to its nose. The M. rufus diet consists of fruit, flowers, gum, and leaves, with a preference for insects. M. rufus stores fat in its tail during the wet season in preparation for the dry season when its activity decreases significantly.
Species Name:
Microcebus rufus
Taxon:
Mouse Lemur
Specimen Collector:
J. Wills
Specimen Id:
USNM 83657 and USNM 83656 (skull only)
Collected Date:
February 1896
Sex:
male
Age:
adult
Collection Location:
Malagasy Imerina
Common Name:
Mouse Lemur
Donor:
Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History
Display Order:
70
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