In V. V. variegata the coat is mostly black with large white areas on the head, back and limbs. The estrous cycle of female ruffed lemurs lasts approximately 30 days with the estrous period averaging 6.25 days. Gestation typically lasts between 90 and 102 days. Females are capable of having up to 6 offspring, but usually only 2 or 3 offspring are born at a time. In fact, over one-half of births are twins.
Mothers build nests for their newborns, usually in the fork of a tree.
The female pulls out her own hair to line the nest. When it is necessary for the infant to be carried, the mother uses her mouth. Infants are allowed to leave the nest at 3 weeks and are as mobile as their parents by the time they are 7 weeks old. Weaning occurs at approximately 135 days and infants are close to adult size by the time they reach 6 months. Behavior Ruffed lemurs live in groups ranging from 2-5 individuals.