_Cheirogaleus_, Geoffr., Ann. du Mus., xix., p. 171 (1812).
_Chirogale_, Forsyth Major, Nov. Zool., i., p. 1 (1894).
In this genus are included a group of Lemurs of very small dimensions, and
of which the following are the more important characters: The rounded head
has a short face covered with fur. The eyes are very large and set close
together, agreeing well with their nocturnal life. The ears are
conspicuous, projecting beyond the fur, thin, and membranaceous. The
hind-limbs are larger than the fore-, the foot being remarkably elongated
by the lengthening of the heel-bone (_Astragalus_). The nail of the second
finger is pointed, but all the rest are flat. The length of the tail
exceeds that of the body. In some the orbits are directed outwards instead
of directly forwards as is generally the case among the members of the
Sub-order. Of the teeth in the upper jaw, the inner incisors are larger
than the outer; the anterior pre-molar is as long {50}vertically as its
median neighbour; while the posterior, which is smaller than the anterior
molar, has one internal and one large external cusp. Of the molars, the
inner hind cusp is either small or wanting. The bony palate is long, its
hind margin extending behind the posterior molar. The pre-maxillary bones,
carrying the incisor teeth, are largely developed. The mastoid portion of
the ear-capsules (periotic) is not inflated as in many species of Lemurs.
Several of the species of this genus remain somnolent and torpid throughout
the dry season, in regions where it is then impossible to obtain the
vegetable food they require. The Mouse-Lemurs are confined to the island of
Madagascar.