Much of the fur is black, with large white areas on the limbs, back and head. The fur is long and soft, and the ears hidden by a ruff of hair. The color pattern may be different on the left and right side of a specimen. Females have three pairs of mammae. Lemur variegatus is an arboreal forest dweller.
Progression is by walking or running on larger branches, and leaping from tree to tree.
Locomotion is more labored and cautious than with other Lemur species. Vocalizations include an intense roar of alarm, and a powerful, plaintive call for territorial expression. Group sizes can range from 2 to 16. All group members use a common home range, and aggression has been noted between groups. Females form the core of the group, and defend the territory.