The wet rhinarium is associated with a keen sense of smell and lemurs are keenly olfactory. Ring-tails have a large gland on the inside of each wrist and males have one at each armpit. Male to male confrontations involve stink-fights, although it is unclear how they declare a winner. They sit and draw their tails alternatingly through both armpits, smearing the scent thoroughly through the fur. They then stand face to face and shake their tails in the direction of the adversary.
Lemurs also have, and make use of anal glands.
Vocalizations are often shrill but distance between troops is maintained by howling. There is a lot of mewing and purring when groups huddle together for warmth. They sleep curled in a ball, tucking hands, feet and face into the center. The tail is thrown up over the face and down the back. True lemurs do not swim well and seldom enter water.