Animal Fact Sheets back Red-ruffed Lemur Classification and Range Lemurs are primates placed in the suborder Prosimiae. The red-ruffed lemur is a member of the Lemuridae family, which includes 10 species in four genera. All lemur species live on the African island nation of Madagascar.
Females are usually heavier.
The soft, woolly body fur is a deep rusty red while their extremities, forehead, crown, belly and tail are black. They have a patch of white fur on the nape of the neck and may have additional white patches on the feet, digits or mouth. Six bottom teeth form what is called the toothcomb. A specialized claw on the second toes of their hind feet is used to brush their long, fluffy coat. Red-ruffed lemurs have scent glands on their rump used for group identification.