One of its most remarkable features is tat the male is solid black in color while the female varies from reddish to golden brown. Eulemur macaco flavifrons lacks ear tufts and has bluish-grey eyes. Black lemurs are tree dwellers. One offspring is usually born, although twins are not rare.
Black lemurs feed on fruit and leaves, and the amount of each varies with seasonal availabiltiy.
They are known to live in groups of multiple males and females, which vary in size from 2 to 15 individuals. Deforestation of Madagascar is the primary threat to all lemur species. Recent satellite surveys have indicated that forested areas are declining at an alarming rate. Although protected by law, black lemurs are sometimes poached for meat or are persecuted in some areas as a crop pest. Because all lemur species are endangered and captive habitat is limited, the Black Lemur Masterplan has suggested that this species be managed on a worldwide basis.